Pennsylvania has confirmed two deaths from measles in Lancaster County, the first deaths from the disease in the state in 35 years.
The state Department of Health confirmed that both individuals were unvaccinated, but said it would not be releasing any other information to protect the privacy of the individuals and their families.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of people who contract measles being hospitalized. Death related to measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.
Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.
Partway through the year, 2026 has become the worst year for measles in the U.S. since before the start of the new millennium. Since Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported 2,777 cases nationwide, of which 97% are among people who are either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.
Pennsylvania currently has the third-highest number of confirmed cases, following South Carolina and Utah, with 393 cases as of Monday. Cases are rapidly increasing in the state, with 86 new cases reported since Aug. 17. The first cases of measles in years were reported in Lehigh County several weeks ago, among two unvaccinated children. So far, no cases in Pennsylvania have been reported among children who are fully vaccinated.
The majority of cases in Pennsylvania have been in Lancaster County, where 185 cases have been confirmed and neighboring Chester, York and Lebanon counties, where a combined 77 cases have been reported.
The best protection against measles is getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.