Key facts
- Two unvaccinated individuals have died of measles in Pennsylvania.
- These are the first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years.
- The U.S. has reported 2,777 measles cases this year, with 169 hospitalizations.
- Pennsylvania has confirmed 393 measles cases in 28 counties this year.
Two unvaccinated individuals have died of measles in Pennsylvania, marking the first such fatalities in the state in 35 years. Health officials emphasized the severity of the disease and the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine. The U.S. has recorded 2,777 measles cases this year, with 169 hospitalizations. Pennsylvania alone has confirmed 393 cases across 28 counties. Despite the risks, misinformation about vaccine safety has contributed to declining vaccination rates. Measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, hearing loss, and neurological conditions like subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses offering 97% protection, and is considered safe for individuals with competent immune systems.