Fourth person dies of measles-associated illness in US
Summary
Pennsylvania has reported a fourth person’s death linked to measles during its worst outbreak since 1992. The U.S. has seen over 3,300 measles cases in 2026, with vaccination rates dropping and changes in federal vaccine policy contributing to the spread.Key Facts
- Four people have died from measles-related illness in Pennsylvania in 2026.
- The CDC does not include these deaths in the national count because of changes made under President Trump’s administration.
- Pennsylvania has reported nearly 700 measles cases, centered in Lancaster and Mifflin counties.
- Measles complications can cause serious health problems like pneumonia and brain inflammation.
- The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) is about 97% effective at preventing measles.
- Vaccination rates among young children have slowly declined in recent years.
- U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously led an anti-vaccine group, has changed federal vaccine policies and made incorrect claims about the MMR vaccine.
- Measles was eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 but recent outbreaks put this status at risk.
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