Key facts
- Two unvaccinated individuals have died of measles in Pennsylvania.
- These are the first measles-related deaths in the state in 35 years.
- The U.S. has seen a significant increase in measles cases this year, exceeding previous records.
- Vaccination rates in the U.S. have declined, with a rise in vaccine exemption requests.
- Both deceased individuals resided in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died from measles, state health officials announced Tuesday. These are the first measles-related fatalities in the state in 35 years and come as the U.S. experiences its worst year for measles since 1991. The nation has recorded 2,777 cases as of Thursday, surpassing the previous record. Measles is highly contagious and preventable with the MMR vaccine, but vaccination rates have declined in recent years, with a record high share of children receiving exemptions. Both deceased individuals resided in Lancaster County, where nearly 400 measles cases have been reported in Pennsylvania this year.