Archive · 26 Aug 2026
US Measles Cases Reach 35-Year High; Two Deaths Confirmed
Measles cases in the United States have reached their highest level in 35 years.
Two people have died from measles in 2026.
Health officials said neither person had received a measles vaccine.
Both people lived in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
That county is where Pennsylvania’s outbreak is largest.
It has reported at least 390 cases so far.
Officials say the county has traditionally had lower vaccination rates than other parts of the state.
Vaccination helps protect people from measles.
U.S. measles cases have reached their highest level in 35 years.
The first two measles-related deaths of 2026 have been confirmed.
Pennsylvania health officials said both victims were unvaccinated.
Both victims lived in Lancaster County, the center of Pennsylvania’s outbreak.
Lancaster County has recorded at least 390 cases and historically has lower vaccination rates than the rest of Pennsylvania.
- Who
- The two deceased people, Pennsylvania health officials, and people affected by the measles outbreak.
- What
- U.S. measles cases have reached a 35-year high, with two deaths confirmed in 2026.
- When
- In 2026; the articles do not provide specific dates.
- Where
- The United States, with both deaths occurring among residents of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
- Why
- Both victims were unvaccinated, and Lancaster County has historically had lower vaccination rates than the rest of Pennsylvania.
- U.S. case level
- Measles cases have reached a 35-year high.
- Deaths confirmed
- Two measles-related deaths have been confirmed in 2026.
- Vaccination status
- Neither victim had been vaccinated against measles.
- State
- Pennsylvania confirmed the victims’ vaccination status.
- County
- Both victims lived in Lancaster County.
- Lancaster County cases
- The county has recorded at least 390 measles cases.
- Outbreak location
- Lancaster County has become the center of Pennsylvania’s outbreak this year.