U.S. measles crisis deepens with first 2026 deaths
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A colorized transmission electron micrograph showing measles virus and SV40 particles. Photo: Erskine Palmer/CDC/Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Two people in Pennsylvania have died from measles, the state's health department said Tuesday — they are the state's first deaths from the illness in more than three decades.
Why it matters: The U.S. is currently experiencing its highest count of measles cases in 35 years. The two deaths are the first reported in the U.S. in 2026.
- Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing or breathing. For years, it was a common childhood illness before a vaccine was developed to protect against it.
- Anyone who is unprotected from measles is at risk of getting it.
Driving the news: The two people who died in Pennsylvania were unvaccinated, the state's health department said.
- They lived in Lancaster County, the epicenter of the state's outbreak this year, which has seen at least 390 cases, the health department said.
- Lancaster County has historically had lower vaccination rates compared to the rest of the state.
- The state's outbreak has caused at least 70 hospitalizations.
What they're saying: "Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don't fully understand the potential severity of the illness," Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen wrote in a statement.
Measles cases hit 35-year high in U.S.
By the numbers: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there have been at least 2,777 measles cases reported in the U.S. this year.
- The U.S. surpassed last year's total for measles cases in July.
- Three people died from measles in 2025, a year that saw widespread outbreaks throughout the nation.
Measles outbreak and the MMR vaccine, explained
Zoom out: The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against measles by supercharging the immune system, providing 97% protection for life.
- Most of the people infected with measles are unvaccinated, the CDC says.
- "When measles gets into communities of unvaccinated people in the United States, outbreaks can occur," the CDC says.
State of play: President Trump announced an executive order in August to split the childhood MMR vaccine into three shots, delivered at separate medical visits.
- Health experts warned that breaking up the vaccine shots will make children less safe, decrease interest in vaccination and leave communities more exposed to measles outbreaks.
U.S. elimination status under threat
The big picture: The rise in measles cases last year challenged the U.S. elimination status for measles for the first time.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. 26 years ago, largely thanks to the country's vaccination program.
- Many health experts expect the U.S. to lose its status in 2026, given the swarm of cases this year.
What's next: The U.S. measles elimination status is scheduled for review in November.
Go deeper: These seven states are hot spots for 2026's record measles outbreak
