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Pennsylvania reports fifth measles death amid growing state outbreak
Pennsylvania is facing a significant measles outbreak, with the state health department reporting 943 confirmed cases across 39 counties in 2026. The outbreak has resulted in at least 176 hospitalizations and five deaths, the first measles-related fatalities recorded in the state in 35 years.
The most recent death was an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County. This marks the third death reported in Lancaster County this year. Other fatalities include an 18-year-old in Mifflin County, a 40-year-old in Jefferson County, and two infants in Lancaster County. All reported deaths occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
Public health officials have linked the resurgence of the disease to rising vaccine skepticism. The outbreak in Pennsylvania is part of a larger national trend, with the United States experiencing its most significant measles outbreak since 1991. Nationally, there have been 3,659 confirmed cases reported to the CDC. While the CDC has officially recognized two measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year, state-level data shows a higher toll in Pennsylvania.
Entities
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Josh Shapiro · Lancaster County · Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania Department of Health · Robert F. Kennedy Jr. · United States · Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Pennsylvania has recorded 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties so far in 2026. keyt.com · localnews8.com · tdpelmedia.com · www.fox29.com · kesq.com · +19 more
- [DISPUTED] Pennsylvania has reported five measles-associated deaths in 2026. keyt.com · localnews8.com · tdpelmedia.com · www.fox29.com · kesq.com · +19 more
- [DISPUTED] The CDC has officially recognized two measles-related deaths in the United States this year. keyt.com · localnews8.com · tdpelmedia.com · kesq.com · kvia.com · +14 more
- [● 23 SOURCES] The fifth reported death in Pennsylvania was an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County. keyt.com · localnews8.com · tdpelmedia.com · www.fox29.com · kesq.com · +18 more
- [DISPUTED] There have been 3,659 confirmed measles infections across the United States so far this year. tdpelmedia.com · jamaicainquirer.com · barbadosgazette.com · www.epochtimes.com · www.jamaicaobserver.com · +13 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] At least 176 people have been hospitalized due to measles in Pennsylvania. keyt.com · localnews8.com · www.fox29.com · kesq.com · kvia.com · +14 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Wisconsin has confirmed 214 total measles cases in 2026, with over 200 in the southwest.