HARRISBURG – The PA Department of Health confirmed two measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County. Both individuals were not vaccinated. These mark the first deaths related to measles within the state in 35 years. Thus far in 2026, the Health Department has confirmed 398 cases in 28 PA counties. The Health Department says the best protection against measles is getting vaccinated. The state has expanded access to the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine – administering over 4,100 vaccinations at pop-up clinics thus far – and equipped school nurses and health care providers with important clinical guidance as many have never handled a case of measles before. More than 35,000 Pennsylvanians received an MMR vaccine in July 2026 – 10,000 more vaccine doses than a typical month.
