Pennsylvania Reports Fifth Measles-Associated Death Amid Outbreak

Pennsylvania has confirmed a fifth measles-associated death this year, as the number of infections approaches 1,000 amid a growing outbreak across the state. The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Wednesday that an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for measles had died. The department reported the death to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state has recorded 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties so far in 2026, including 40 new cases since September 28. At least 176 individuals have been hospitalized. The U.S. is experiencing the worst measles outbreak since 1991, with several deaths reported in recent years. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but the disease has resurfaced, a trend some experts attribute to increased vaccine skepticism. The latest death is the third associated with measles reported in Lancaster County this year. Lancaster County, located in south-central Pennsylvania, is home to significant Amish and Mennonite communities, which have lower vaccination rates. Pennsylvania reported its first two measles-associated deaths in August, marking the first measles-related deaths in the state in 35 years. Since then, confirmed infections have more than doubled. The outbreak has led the administration of Governor Josh Shapiro to expand vaccination efforts and public health outreach. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, known as the MMR shot, is the primary means of protection. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Health, over 53,000 MMR vaccine doses were administered statewide in September, more than double the typical monthly amount. Health experts state that two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent effective at preventing measles. On Tuesday, the CDC confirmed two measles-related deaths in its national tally, but did not specify their locations. The federal count has been a point of contention between Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the classification of measles deaths. Pennsylvania has reported five “measles-associated” deaths, a term used when a person with confirmed measles dies within 30 days of developing symptoms, unless the death was due to an unrelated cause. Kennedy, who is skeptical of vaccines, has accused Shapiro of politicizing the deaths and questioned the linkage of two deaths reported by the state in August to measles. Infectious disease experts warn that the dispute over death classification may conflict with established methods for tracking measles consequences. Epidemiologists have indicated that tracking “measles-associated” deaths is a standard practice used by the World Health Organization and the CDC. The latest death occurs as Pennsylvania officials seek additional federal assistance for the outbreak. The state requested an Epi-Aid investigation from the CDC earlier this month to address the urgent disease outbreak as cases continue to rise.