Two die from measles in Pennsylvania, first U.S. deaths in 35 years

Pennsylvania health officials are sounding the alarm after two unvaccinated individuals died from measles, the first such fatalities in the United States in 35 years. State Health Secretary Debra Bogen expressed condolences to the families while strongly advocating for vaccination, highlighting the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.

Bogen noted that measles had been largely eradicated in Pennsylvania for over three decades, leading to a lack of public familiarity with the disease's potential severity. She emphasized that the MMR vaccine, administered in two doses, provides 97% protection for life. So far in 2026, the state has confirmed 393 measles cases. Without adequate protection or treatment, measles can be fatal.

These deaths occur amidst a concerning national trend of declining vaccination rates, as indicated by data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This year has seen the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. in 35 years. The vaccination rate for preschoolers against measles, mumps, and rubella has dropped significantly, falling 2.3 percentage points from a decade ago to 94.7 percent.

Experts warn that even a small decrease in vaccination rates can trigger more outbreaks. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told The Washington Post that community immunity requires over 95% of susceptible individuals to be vaccinated. The CDC is under the purview of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for his skepticism towards vaccines. President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order to reduce the number of recommended vaccinations and suggested spreading out combination vaccines over multiple doctor visits.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed strong criticism and concern regarding the U.S. government's child vaccination policies, stating that such directives are not aligned with scientific consensus. The situation underscores the ongoing debate and challenges surrounding vaccination in the U.S.