Two Unvaccinated Pennsylvanians Die from Measles, First Fatalities in 2026
Pennsylvania’s health officials reported that two unvaccinated residents have died from measles, marking the nation’s first measles deaths this year and the state’s first in 25 years.
Pennsylvania’s health department announced that two people who had not received the measles vaccine have died from the illness, representing the first measles deaths in the United States this year. The victims’ identities and ages were not released. This also constitutes the first measles-related fatalities in Pennsylvania in 25 years, a period during which the disease was largely eliminated from the state.
Secretary of Health Debra Bogen said the prolonged lack of exposure means the public often underestimates measles’ danger. She emphasized that the MMR vaccine is safe and remains the most effective defense against the virus. Officials are treating the case as a developing story and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Why it matters
It highlights the ongoing risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and the need for public awareness about measles vaccination.
In this story
