NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 25, 2026Miami-Dade
Pennsylvania reports first two U.S. measles deaths of the year
State health officials confirmed that two unvaccinated Lancaster County residents have died from measles, marking the first such deaths in the U.S. this year. This development occurs amid a national surge in cases and declining childhood vaccination rates.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The deaths highlight the return of a disease considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, with current national vaccination coverage falling below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.
Key Facts
- Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents in Lancaster County died from measles.
- These are the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year.
- There have been 2,777 measles cases in the U.S. as of Thursday, the highest count since 1991.
- There have been five measles-associated deaths in the U.S. over the last two years.
- Pennsylvania has recorded nearly 400 measles cases this year.
- Pennsylvania has administered 35,000 measles vaccines recently, an increase from the typical 25,000 per month.
- Lancaster County's kindergarten measles vaccination rate was 88% last school year.
- The U.S. eliminated local measles spread in 2000, but national vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% coverage target.
- International health officials will meet in November to evaluate the U.S. and Mexico's measles-free status.
Who's Mentioned
locationLancaster County“Location of the deceased individuals”personDebra Bogen“Pennsylvania Health Secretary”other2,777“Total U.S. measles cases reported as of Thursday”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“U.S. Health Secretary”personJosh Shapiro“Governor of Pennsylvania”organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal health agency tracking measles data”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”