Two unvaccinated Pennsylvanians die from measles, first US deaths in 2026

Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from measles, marking the first US measles deaths of 2026 and the state's first in 35 years. The deaths come amid a nationwide surge, with nearly 2,800 cases reported this year, the highest since 1991 Source: AP News. Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 cases across 28 counties, with about half in Lancaster County Source: Wired.

The outbreak

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. In Lancaster County, only about 88% of kindergartners are fully vaccinated Source: AP News. Nationally, kindergarten vaccination coverage has declined, and non-medical exemptions reached a record high of 4.2% Source: Wired. Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses Source: CNN.

Political clash

Governor Josh Shapiro has criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine rhetoric, while Kennedy has blamed the Biden administration for declining vaccination rates and even suggested the deaths might be fabricated Source: Ars Technica. Shapiro said he turned down Kennedy's offer of help, telling him his actions are having a negative impact Source: Wired.

What's next

International health officials will meet in November to determine if the US has lost its measles elimination status Source: AP News. The CDC data shows the largest one-year increase in vaccine exemption requests ever recorded Source: The Guardian.