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Pennsylvania reports four measles-related deaths amid major outbreak FAST-MOVING
Pennsylvania health officials have confirmed four measles-related deaths during a significant statewide outbreak in 2026. The most recent fatality involved an unvaccinated 18-year-old in Mifflin County who died from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare neurological complication of the virus.
Previously, a 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County died from an active measles infection, a fact confirmed through laboratory testing of a nasopharyngeal specimen. State health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen described the current situation as the worst measles outbreak in Pennsylvania in more than three decades.
As of mid-September 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has recorded 693 confirmed measles cases across 38 counties. Health officials are urging the public to utilize the MMR vaccine, which provides 97% lifetime protection, to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus.
Entities
Dr. Debra Bogen · Jefferson County · Mifflin County · Pennsylvania Department of Health
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pennsylvania has confirmed 693 measles cases across 38 counties in 2026. 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7chicago.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] An 18-year-old in Mifflin County died from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a neurological complication of measles. 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7chicago.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] A 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County died with an active measles infection confirmed by laboratory testing. www.explorejeffersonpa.com · 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7chicago.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Four people have died from measles-related complications in Pennsylvania in 2026. 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7chicago.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pennsylvania is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in over 30 years. 6abc.com · abc11.com · abc7chicago.com