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Pennsylvania reports first 2 US measles deaths in 2026
AP News • • health
Key Points:
- Two unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from measles, marking the first U.S. measles-related deaths of 2024 amid the nation's worst outbreak since 1991.
- The U.S. has reported 2,777 measles cases so far this year, surpassing last year's total, with vaccination rates falling below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized the Trump administration's vaccine policies and rhetoric, attributing them to increased vaccine hesitancy and negative public health impacts.
- Federal health officials emphasized the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine and pledged continued support for Pennsylvania's response, while nationwide vaccination rates have declined and exemptions have reached a record high.
- Lancaster County, home to a large Amish community with lower vaccination acceptance, has seen nearly 400 measles cases this year, prompting increased vaccination efforts by state health authorities.
