In brief
Pennsylvania lost two unvaccinated residents to measles this week, a stark reminder that rising vaccine hesitancy is eroding herd immunity. The Commonwealth has seen 393 measles cases this year, while the U.S. has recorded 2,777 confirmed cases by early September—an increase that threatens the country’s long‑standing elimination status. Only 85 % of kindergarteners in Lancaster County are vaccinated, far below the 95 % threshold needed to protect the vulnerable. Health officials urge a stronger promotion of the MMR vaccine, especially as political actions risk muddling public confidence. The death toll, coupled with policy shifts, signals urgent action is required to curb the spread of measles.
Two people who were not vaccinated against measles have died of the virus in Pennsylvania, health officials said. The state has seen 393 cases of the highly contagious virus this year, a figure that mirrors the U.S. experiencing the highest measles count in 35 years.
Last year, two unvaccinated children in Texas died from a measles outbreak that infected over 1,000 people, primarily children.
In Lancaster County, where the recent deaths occurred, 85 % of kindergarten‑age students are vaccinated against measles—below the 95 % rate needed for herd immunity to protect immunocompromised individuals.
"My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss," Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen said. "Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don’t fully understand the potential severity of the illness," she added, urging the MMR vaccine as the best protection.
The U.S. has recorded 2,777 confirmed measles cases in 2026—just seven months into the year—up from last year's high of 2,289. Rising numbers are linked to increased vaccine hesitancy, with lower immunisation rates across the country.
The U.S. recommends two MMR shots for children between ages one and six, a schedule that is 97 % effective. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for fewer childhood vaccinations, including splitting the MMR into three separate shots. Public health experts warn this could sow confusion about a safe and effective vaccine.
The order follows steps by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to redesign U.S. vaccine policies—a move blocked by a federal judge earlier this year—and his mixed messaging on MMR safety. These shifts threaten the country's status of measles elimination, a status it may lose by November when a panel will make a determination. Canada lost its status last year.
