2 unvaccinated people die of measles in Pennsylvania
Why it matters: The deaths are Pennsylvania's first measles fatalities in 35 years as US cases climb to 2,777, the most since 1991.
Two unvaccinated people in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died of measles, state health officials said Tuesday, marking the state's first measles deaths in 35 years and the first reported in the US this year. Pennsylvania has recorded 393 cases in 2026. Nationally, confirmed infections have reached 2,777, already above last year's 2,289 and the highest total since 1991. Lancaster County's kindergarten measles vaccination rate is 85%, well below the 95% level public health officials say helps curb spread. The CDC recommends two MMR doses for children, with two shots 97% effective against measles.