Lancaster, Pennsylvania — Two unvaccinated people have died during Pennsylvania’s expanding measles outbreak, marking the state’s first measles-related deaths in 35 years and the first reported U.S. fatalities from the disease this year.
Both people lived in Lancaster County, which has been the center of the outbreak. Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 measles cases across the state this year, including 86 during the past week, and 70 patients have been hospitalized with complications.
“People are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness,” state Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said while urging vaccination.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 2,777 measles cases as of Aug. 20, the highest U.S. total in 35 years. Most cases have occurred among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Lancaster County’s childhood MMR vaccination rate has fallen from 95.5% in 2017 to 87.6% in 2025, according to NBC News. The two-dose MMR vaccine provides about 97% protection against measles.
The deaths come weeks after President Donald Trump issued an order seeking changes to childhood vaccination recommendations, including separating the combined MMR vaccine despite opposition from major medical organizations.
Sources
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