Two Deaths Reported in Pennsylvania Measles Outbreak
Pennsylvania confirmed two measles deaths Tuesday, both in unvaccinated Lancaster County residents. It is the first time the state has recorded measles deaths in 35 years.
- 393 measles cases confirmed across Pennsylvania in 2026, spread across 29 counties.
- 2,777 cases reported nationwide as of August 20 — the most since 1991.
- 70 people hospitalized in Pennsylvania for measles complications this year.
- 185 of Pennsylvania's cases are in Lancaster County alone.
Why it matters: Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. More cases have been recorded in the past 18 months than in the previous 25 years combined.
- Nearly 20% of people who contract measles require hospitalization; death occurs in roughly one to three patients per 1,000 cases.
- Two MMR vaccine doses provide 97% lifetime protection, according to Pennsylvania health officials.
How 28 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 14 sources: The center leads with the factual record-setting nature of the deaths and the state's public health guidance, without broader political framing.
Reuters2hDeux décès dus à la rougeole en Pennsylvanie, une première en 35 ans
USA Today8mCase map and graphs capture resurgence of disease once eliminated in the USYNYahoo News2hPennsylvania reports first 2 measles deaths in the US this year, both people unvaccinatedabcabc27 (WHTM)4h2 measles-related deaths reported in Lancaster County
The Hill2h2 measles-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania
Associated Press2hPennsylvania reports first 2 measles deaths in the US this year, both people unvaccinated
Chicago Tribune2hTwo unvaccinated people die of measles in Pennsylvania
Forbes2h2 People Dead In Pennsylvania From Measles, Health Authorities SayPenPennLive3h2 Lancaster County residents die from measlesWGAWGAL 84hLancaster County measles deaths mark Pennsylvania's first in 35 years, health officials sayLeft coverage, 9 sources: The left frames the deaths as a consequence of declining vaccination rates and a historic resurgence that public health institutions had previously contained.
NBC News3hTwo die of measles in Pennsylvania outbreak, health officials say
CNN3hTwo people in Pennsylvania have died from measles
The Independent34mPennsylvania reports first measles deaths in 35 years
ABC News4h2 people die from measles in Pennsylvania
Mediaite2h2 Dead From Measles Outbreak in Pennsylvania, the State’s First Deaths of the Virus in 35 YearsTBGThe Boston Globe1hPennsylvania reports first 2 measles deaths in the US this year
The Guardian2hTwo unvaccinated people die of measles in Pennsylvania
The New York Times1hIn Pennsylvania, 2 Measles Deaths Are ReportedTPIThe Philadelphia Inquirer3hPennsylvania reports two measles deaths in Lancaster County, state’s first in three decadesRight coverage, 5 sources: The right reports the deaths and case totals factually, placing them in historical context without emphasizing vaccination policy debates.
Daily Mail3hFirst measles deaths recorded of 2026... as cases reach highest level in more than three decades
The Epoch Times17h2 Dead From Measles in US, Pennsylvania Officials Say
Just the News2hTwo people died of measles in Pennsylvania, state health officials said
New York Post2hTwo Americans dead from measles in Pennsylvania — first deaths in state in 35 years: health department
NTD1h2 Dead From Measles in US, Pennsylvania Officials SayWhat’s next: Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen is urging residents to get vaccinated and calling the MMR vaccine safe and effective.
- State officials will release no further identifying details about the two deceased individuals.
- Whether back-to-school gatherings will accelerate case counts beyond the current record pace.
- How quickly Pennsylvania's outbreak will spread to counties beyond Lancaster.