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Two people are dead in Pennsylvania because of the measles, the state Department of Health said Tuesday.
Both individuals were unvaccinated.
These are the first US deaths from measles reported in 2026 and the first in Pennsylvania in 35 years.
“My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss,” Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in a statement.
“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.”
Both people who died were residents of Lancaster County. Pennsylvania health officials said they will not release any additional details about them.
Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 measles cases in 28 counties so far in 2026.
Measles is a contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people who contract measles being hospitalized.
Death related to measles, though rare, occurs in one to three 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 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.