Two Unvaccinated Residents Die From Measles

August 25, 2026 12:39 pm

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pennsylvania health officials report that two unvaccinated residents have died from measles. They are the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year, following three last year. The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles year since 1991, with 2,777 cases reported as of Thursday. In November, international health officials will assess if the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles-free status. Vaccination rates have dropped below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks, with exemptions rising to an all-time high among kindergartners. State officials aren’t giving any more details about the two people, except that they lived in Lancaster County.  (Photo:  AP)