Pennsylvania confirms fifth measles-associated death as US outbreak grows
Summary
Pennsylvania has confirmed a fifth death linked to measles this year during a large outbreak with nearly 1,000 cases across the state. The outbreak, the worst in the US since 1991, has led to more hospitalizations and increased vaccination efforts by state officials.Key Facts
- Pennsylvania has recorded 943 confirmed measles cases in 39 counties in 2026.
- Five deaths associated with measles have been confirmed in Pennsylvania this year.
- The latest death was an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County, which has under-vaccinated Amish and Mennonite communities.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 but is returning due to lower vaccination rates.
- Over 53,000 doses of the MMR vaccine were given in Pennsylvania in September, more than double a typical month.
- The state has asked the CDC for an Epi-Aid investigation to get more federal help for the outbreak.
- There is a dispute between Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr about how to classify and report measles deaths.
- The CDC uses the term “measles-associated” deaths for people who die within 30 days of measles symptoms unless the death was unrelated.
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