Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from measles, marking the first measles deaths in the state in 35 years and the first in the US so far this year [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Pennsylvania has reported 393 confirmed measles cases in 2026, spanning around 28 counties; nationwide, the US has recorded 2,777 cases, the highest annual total since 1991 [1, 4, 5, 6, 7].

Measles is highly contagious and preventable through the MMR vaccine, which is about 97% effective after two doses [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7]. However, vaccination rates in Pennsylvania, and specifically Lancaster County, have fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, with only about 85-88% of kindergartners vaccinated locally [1, 4, 6, 7]. The deaths and outbreak have coincided with rising vaccine hesitancy fueled in part by misinformation and anti-vaccine rhetoric promoted by former Trump administration officials including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [1, 3, 5, 6].

President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month calling for fewer childhood vaccinations and splitting the combined MMR vaccine into three separate shots, a move rejected by scientific consensus [1, 3, 5]. Measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling, with death occurring in 1 to 3 per 1,000 cases and up to 20% of cases requiring hospitalization [2, 6, 7].

Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health, expressed her condolences to the families affected, saying, "Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don't fully understand the potential severity of the illness" [1]. She emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "The [measles, mumps and rubella] vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles" [2].

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urged caution amid widespread misinformation, saying, "If you or your kids are unvaccinated, you are at an increased risk for contracting this highly-contagious virus" [6]. On August 26, he declined federal help from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing concerns about the negative impact of anti-vaccine rhetoric [3, 6].

Additional outbreaks were declared in Maryland on August 25, with 31 confirmed cases across three counties, signaling the spread of measles beyond Pennsylvania [2]. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely.

Health authorities urge prompt vaccination and awareness as cases rise. The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to track infections and update the public as the outbreak unfolds [1, 4, 5].