The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Tuesday that two residents of Lancaster County have died from measles. These are the first recorded deaths from the virus in the commonwealth in 35 years. According to state health officials, both individuals who died were not vaccinated against the disease.
The announcement comes as Pennsylvania manages a total of 393 confirmed measles cases across 29 counties since the start of the year. Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen stated that because the virus was largely eliminated in the state for over three decades, the public may not fully understand the potential severity of the illness. She noted that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the primary protection against the virus.
Earlier this month, health officials confirmed two additional measles cases in Lehigh County. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 92.4% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles during the 2025-26 school year. This represents a decline from the 95.2% vaccination rate recorded during the 2019-20 school year.
In practical terms, families and students may notice a shift in public health recommendations or school requirements. The standard MMR vaccine protocol involves two doses, typically administered at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years of age. However, a recent executive order signed by President Trump in August suggests that the MMR vaccine should be administered as three separate shots rather than a combined dose. This change could alter how parents schedule doctor visits and how healthcare providers manage vaccine inventory and administration.
The presence of the virus in 29 counties suggests that the outbreak is widespread, which may place additional strain on local health departments and clinics. As case numbers rise to levels not seen in 35 years, health officials are focusing on public information campaigns to address the severity of the disease. Following the announcement, Governor Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Bogen were scheduled to hold a news conference on Tuesday morning to provide further details on the state's response and any upcoming health directives.