Two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents are the first US measles deaths of 2026
Pennsylvania's health department said two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County died of measles, the first deaths from the disease in the US this year. National case counts have already reached 2,777, above the 2,289 recorded in 2025. State Health Secretary Debra Bogen said measles had been largely eliminated in Pennsylvania for more than three decades, so many residents are unfamiliar with how severe the illness can be.
Science··Night
Reported development
Two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents are the first US measles deaths of 2026 Pennsylvania's health department said two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County died of measles, the first deaths from the disease in the US this year. National case counts have already reached 2,777, above the 2,289 recorded in 2025. State Health Secretary Debra Bogen said measles had been largely eliminated in Pennsylvania for more than three decades, so many residents are unfamiliar with how severe the illness can be. State Health Secretary Debra Bogen said measles had been largely eliminated in Pennsylvania for more than three decades, so many residents are unfamiliar with how severe the illness can be. Officials disclosed nothing about the two people beyond the county where they lived.[1]
Details in the report
Pennsylvania's health department said two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County died of measles, the first deaths from the disease in the US this year. National case counts have already reached 2,777, above the 2,289 recorded in 2025. State Health Secretary Debra Bogen said measles had been largely eliminated in Pennsylvania for more than three decades, so many residents are unfamiliar with how severe the illness can be. Officials disclosed nothing about the two people beyond the county where they lived. Pennsylvania has recorded nearly 400 cases in 2026, and 88 per cent of kindergartners in Lancaster County are up to date on measles vaccination. The CDC counted 3 measles deaths nationally in 2025.[1]
Additional context
Two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents are the first US measles deaths of 2026 Pennsylvania's health department said two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County died of measles, the first deaths from the disease in the US this year. National case counts have already reached 2,777, above the 2,289 recorded in 2025. State Health Secretary Debra Bogen said measles had been largely eliminated in Pennsylvania for more than three decades, so many residents are unfamiliar with how severe the illness can be. Pennsylvania has recorded nearly 400 cases in 2026, and 88 per cent of kindergartners in Lancaster County are up to date on measles vaccination. The CDC counted 3 measles deaths nationally in 2025.[1]
