Pennsylvania reports fifth measles death amid U.S. outbreak

<p>Pennsylvania reported its fifth measles death on September 30, 2026, as the disease outbreak continues to grow across the United States, with more than 3,500 cases confirmed. </p> <p>The Pennsylvania Department of Health did not release details about the individual who died, noting that the death occurred in Lancaster County and that the person was not vaccinated. The health department reported 943 confirmed cases of measles in the state in 2026.</p> <p>Previously, Pennsylvania had reported four measles-related deaths, including an 18-year-old, a 40-year-old woman, and two infants who died last month, all of whom were not vaccinated.</p> <p>Of the thousands of measles cases reported in the U.S. this year, 95% of affected individuals did not receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).</p> <p>The CDC has recorded only two deaths related to the measles outbreak on its website. Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA) has criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the outbreak's severity and has stated he will refuse any federal aid until all Pennsylvania deaths are accounted for.</p> <p>Shapiro accused Kennedy of intervening in the reporting process to prevent the CDC from acknowledging these deaths, claiming it undermines the narrative surrounding vaccine skepticism that threatens the country’s measles elimination status, which has been in place since 2000.</p> <p>Kennedy responded by stating that Shapiro is politicizing the outbreak rather than focusing on a unified public health response. He denied any interference with the CDC’s reporting of deaths.</p> <p>The HHS secretary noted that he offered to send CDC epidemiologists to Pennsylvania to assist with the outbreak response, but Shapiro indicated he would refuse any aid until the deaths are properly accounted for by the CDC.</p> <p>The U.S. has not reported more than 2,000 measles cases since 1991, according to the CDC. In 2026, there have been 40 new measles outbreaks reported in the country, with Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Utah experiencing the highest impact.</p>