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Rachel V Thomas

US Measles Outbreak: Pennsylvania Reports First Deaths Of 2026 As Trump Pushes Back On Vaccines

Amid a record-high <span>measles outbreak</span> in the US, Pennsylvania has reported the first <span>measles</span> deaths of 2026, involving two unvaccinated individuals.

According to a statement by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), the confirmed deaths “mark the first deaths related to measles within the Commonwealth in 35 years.”

Both people were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to the DOH, which did not release additional details, citing privacy concerns.

“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,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen.

Pennsylvania has been one of the hardest-hit states this year. So far, 393 cases of the contagious virus has been reported across 28 counties. Lancaster County, in the southeastern part of the state, has recorded 185 cases.  

<h2>MMR Vaccine Offers Strong Protection</h2>

The best protection against measles is getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.

However, vaccination rates and policies under the President Donald Trump, along with long-term vaccine skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have led to a severe decline in immunization rates.

As per the latest figures from the US CDC, the country has recorded 2,777 confirmed measles cases this year, a disease that had been largely eradicated in the country.

Notably, the increase in cases also means that the US is set to lose its status for having eradicated measles.

<h2>Trump, Kennedy Push for Vaccine Changes</h2>

Moreover, Kennedy and President Donald Trump, earlier this month, issued an executive order calling for a reduction in recommended childhood vaccines and also promoted a long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, contrary to established scientific evidence.

“We all thought the Texas outbreak and the deaths there last year would be a wake-up call. Then we had the outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, former Utah state epidemiologist and previously a CDC division director in infectious disease response, Reuters reported.

In 2025, three people died in an outbreak that began in West Texas and spread to New Mexico.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. Death related to measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.

Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the 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 can look similar to other respiratory viral infections, it is important to contact a healthcare 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.

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Amid a record-high measles outbreak in the US, Pennsylvania has reported the first measles deaths of 2026, involving two unvaccinated individuals.According to a statement by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), the confirmed deaths “mark the first deaths related to measles within the Commonwealth in 35 years.”Both people were unvaccinated residents of Lancaster County, according to the DOH, which did not release additional details, citing privacy concerns.“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,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen.Pennsylvania has been one of the hardest-hit states this year. So far, 393 cases of the contagious virus has been reported across 28 counties. Lancaster County, in the southeastern part of the state, has recorded 185 cases.  MMR Vaccine Offers Strong ProtectionThe best protection against measles is getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.However, vaccination rates and policies under the President Donald Trump, along with long-term vaccine skeptic Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have led to a severe decline in immunization rates.As per the latest figures from the US CDC, the country has recorded 2,777 confirmed measles cases this year, a disease that had been largely eradicated in the country.Notably, the increase in cases also means that the US is set to lose its status for having eradicated measles.Trump, Kennedy Push for Vaccine ChangesMoreover, Kennedy and President Donald Trump, earlier this month, issued an executive order calling for a reduction in recommended childhood vaccines and also promoted a long-debunked link between vaccines and autism, contrary to established scientific evidence.“We all thought the Texas outbreak and the deaths there last year would be a wake-up call. Then we had the outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, former Utah state epidemiologist and previously a CDC division director in infectious disease response, Reuters reported.In 2025, three people died in an outbreak that began in West Texas and spread to New Mexico.How Does Measles Spread?Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling. Nearly 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. Death related to measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.Measles SymptomsEarly 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 can look similar to other respiratory viral infections, it is important to contact a healthcare 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.

us measles outbreak: pennsylvania reports first deaths of 2026 as trump pushes back on vaccines

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