The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed two additional measles-related deaths, officials announced Tuesday. Both individuals were unvaccinated.
An 18-year-old from Mifflin County died of a "rare and severe neurological complication of measles," the county's coroner's office confirmed Tuesday.
Just three days earlier, on Saturday, Sept. 12, a 40-year-old woman from Jefferson County died from complications associated with measles, according to Jefferson County Coroner Greg Furlong.
“My thoughts are with the two families who lost loved ones to this highly contagious virus, as Pennsylvania faces the worst measles outbreak in more than three decades,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “We remain committed to working with our partners across Pennsylvania to stem this outbreak and prevent more deaths.
"That means ensuring people have the facts about measles and access to the MMR vaccine — which kept measles outbreaks at bay for decades.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed 693 cases of measles in 38 counties across the Commonwealth this year.
There have been 99 new positive cases reported in the past week, according to state officials.
Lancaster County has the most confirmed cases by far, reporting 296 cases of measles in 2026. Currently, Philadelphia and Bucks County have no reported cases. Montgomery County has 3.
Health experts are urging people to get vaccinated to ensure safety as measles cases continue to rise statewide.
Health officials strongly recommend that parents follow the routine immunization schedule and ensure children are fully vaccinated. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically given in two doses — first at 12 to 15 months of age and again between 4 and 6 years old — and is considered safe and highly effective.
The Health Department said people are generally considered immune if they were born before 1957, previously had measles, or received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, usually the MMR vaccine. Those unsure of their status should check vaccination records or contact their health care provider.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash. Measles can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people who contract measles being hospitalized.
Free MMR vaccines are available at any City of Philadelphia Health Center, even if you do not have health insurance. Contact the city call center at 215-685-2933 to make an appointment.
Local pharmacies including CVS and Walmart also offer no-cost MMR vaccinations.
Pennsylvanians can stay up to date on confirmed measles cases and vaccination efforts at pa.gov/measles.
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