HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania recorded its first measles-related deaths in 35 years with the passing of two Lancaster County residents, according to the state Department of Health.
Both residents were unvaccinated, but no further details were released, with the Department citing privacy considerations.
The deaths are the first this year in the U.S., according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were three measles deaths nationwide in 2025.
Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen urged Pennsylvanians to be vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella with the MMR vaccine, which she stressed provides 97% lifetime protection with two doses.
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Bogen said in a prepared statement. “Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness.”
“We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities. As a physician, I want to make sure that people understand that the MMR vaccine is safe and provides the best protection we have against measles,” she said.
Bogen and Gov. Josh Shapiro are expected to speak about the measles outbreak later today.
Measles counts are rising as the virus spreads across Pennsylvania. There were 393 cases confirmed in 29 counties as of Monday, with 86 cases added in the 7 days prior. The majority of the cases, 185, are in Lancaster County. Most infected persons, 270, are age 18 or older. There are 123 cases confirmed among minors.
This year’s growing total is far and away the highest count in recent memory. Between 2000 and 2025, there were just 112 cases combined in Pennsylvania, state Health data show.
Vaccinations against measles had largely made the virus an afterthought. However, the rate is falling. Nationally, it was 92.5% in 2024-25, according to CDC, down from 95.2% in 2019-20 — just eclipsing the herd immunity benchmark.
In Pennsylvania, the vaccination rate among kindergarten students was 93.2% in 2025-26. The number grows among older age groups: 7th grade, 94.6%; 12th grade, 96.9%.
Most people receive the two MMR doses by age 6.
A vaccine database released this month by the Shapiro administration showed nearly 880 schools across the commonwealth fell below 95% among kindergarteners. The database is searchable by school, county and more, and includes rates beyond the MMR vaccine.
The state Department of Health shared the following information about measles:
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of people who contract measles being hospitalized. Death related to measles, though rare, occurs in 1 to 3 patients per 1,000 cases.
Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.
Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). The measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the head and spreading downward. Because early symptoms look similar to other respiratory viral infections, it is important to contact a health care provider early if someone has these symptoms or may have been exposed to measles. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly.
People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or call the Department’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).