Pennsylvania confirms two deaths from measles

Lancaster County has reported the first two measles-related deaths in the United States this year, raising fresh concerns about falling vaccination rates.

Both people were unvaccinated and lived in Lancaster County, state health officials said.

The deaths come as measles spreads rapidly across the country. The US has recorded 2,777 cases so far this year, already surpassing the total from 2025.

It is also the worst measles year since 1991.

Pennsylvania has recorded nearly 400 cases. Health officials say vaccination remains the best protection against the highly contagious virus. 

Around 88% of Lancaster County kindergartners received the recommended measles vaccine last school year, below the 95% coverage considered important for preventing outbreaks.

The surge has also fueled criticism of changes to federal vaccine policies and messaging. Officials warn that lower vaccination rates could make future outbreaks harder to control.