In brief
Health officials in Pennsylvania confirmed two deaths from measles, both cases involving unvaccinated individuals. The state has recorded 393 cases this year, part of a national spike that has reached the highest level seen in 35 years. In Lancaster County, only 85% of kindergarten‑age children are vaccinated, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. A federal executive order and recent changes to U.S. vaccine policy have added to public‑health concerns. The U.S. may soon lose its status of having eliminated measles, a status already lost by Canada last year.
Two people in Pennsylvania were reported dead after contracting measles, health officials confirmed. Both had not received the MMR vaccine.
The state has recorded 393 measles cases this year, part of a national spike that reached the highest level seen in 35 years. Nationwide, 2,777 cases have been confirmed for 2026, a rise from last year’s record.
In Lancaster County, where the deaths occurred, only 85% of kindergarten‑age children are vaccinated—a shortfall from the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
Health Secretary Debra Bogen expressed condolences and warned that the United States has grown less familiar with measles after decades of elimination. She emphasized the need for the MMR vaccine to protect vulnerable populations.
Public‑health experts are concerned about rising vaccine hesitancy, which has led to lower immunisation rates. An executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month suggested a reduced number of childhood shots and a split MMR vaccine into three separate doses, sparking critique among experts.
The federal court has already blocked several vaccine policy changes introduced by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. The U.S. may soon lose its status of having eliminated measles, with a panel set to review the status in November. Canada already lost that status last year.
