Pennsylvania officials report fourth measles-associated death in 'surge' of cases

September 15, 2026

Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed a fourth measles-related death during an outbreak that has infected over 600 people this year, primarily in Lancaster County. An 18-year-old died from acute encephalomyelitis, a severe neurological complication, joining a 40-year-old woman and two infants among the fatalities, with all victims except the infants being unvaccinated. The outbreak occurs amid declining vaccination rates driven by increased vaccine hesitancy in the United States, which had eliminated measles in 2000 but is now experiencing its highest death toll from the disease since the 1990s.

Who is affected

Four deceased individuals: an 18-year-old, a 40-year-old woman, and two infants
Over 600 measles cases in Pennsylvania, primarily in Lancaster County
Families of the deceased
The Mennonite community (referenced in last year's Texas outbreak)
Unvaccinated populations
Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
US children under 12 months (who cannot yet receive MMR vaccines)

What action is being taken

State and local officials are reporting deaths and case counts
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is conducting rigorous investigations with coroner's offices to confirm measles-related deaths
Governor Josh Shapiro is withholding information about deaths from Kennedy to protect families
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reviewing cases before updating death information

Why it matters

This outbreak represents a significant public health crisis because measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, yet declining vaccination rates driven by vaccine hesitancy have allowed the highly contagious and potentially fatal disease to return. The situation is particularly concerning because achieving herd immunity requires approximately 95% vaccine coverage, and current immunization rates have fallen below protective levels. The outbreak has reached the highest number of measles deaths in the US since the 1990s, demonstrating how quickly vaccine-preventable diseases can resurge when immunization efforts falter, and the political tensions surrounding the response may further undermine public health messaging.

What's next

In November, a panel is set to decide whether the US will lose its status of having eliminated measles, which Canada lost last year.

Read full article from source: BBC