Two Unvaccinated Pennsylvanians Die as Measles Outbreak Nears 400 Cases

Two unvaccinated individuals in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have died from complications related to measles, marking the first fatalities linked to the disease in the state in 35 years, health officials announced Tuesday.

The deaths occurred amid an ongoing measles outbreak that has reached 393 cases across 29 Pennsylvania counties this year. Lancaster County alone has recorded 177 infections since April, making it a hotspot for the outbreak.

State health leaders attribute the outbreak to declining vaccination rates, driven by misinformation and distrust in vaccines. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the issue in Lancaster, noting the confusion caused by misleading federal information about vaccine safety.

"Folks are spreading skepticism about things like the MMR vaccine without any evidence to back up their claims," Governor Shapiro said. "That scares a parent who's just trying to do the right thing by their kids. And it plays a role in why so many people right now are getting measles for the first time in decades. When the information we see coming from the federal government in some cases isn't driven by facts and by science, it makes it even more confusing for parents, and that has a serious impact."

Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, expressed sympathy for the families affected and stressed public awareness of the disease's severity.

"My deepest sympathies are with the loved ones who are facing this unimaginable loss," Bogen said. "Because measles was largely eliminated in the Commonwealth for more than three decades, people are not familiar with this disease and don't fully understand the potential severity of the illness. We want to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the information they need to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities."

Measles is highly contagious, spreading through coughs, sneezes, or breaths, with the virus lingering in the air for up to two hours. Symptoms include cough, fever, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that appears days after initial signs. Complications can be severe, including pneumonia, brain swelling, deafness, intellectual disability, and death.

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is about 97% effective after two doses. Medical authorities recommend vaccination starting after 12 months of age, with a second dose between ages four and six.

State and local health officials have responded by increasing vaccination efforts, including pop-up clinics in Lancaster and other locations. According to Bogen, about 35,000 MMR vaccine doses were administered last month, up from the typical 25,000.

Dr. Jeffrey Martin, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, emphasized community responsibility in protecting vulnerable populations.

"The strength of a community is measured not by how well it protects the strongest among us, but by how well it protects those who are most vulnerable," Martin said. "If we continue to look out for one another, support one another, and take steps to protect one another, we will get through this outbreak together."

Nationally, Pennsylvania's cases are part of 2,777 confirmed measles infections across the U.S. this year, surpassing last year's total. Previous fatalities include two unvaccinated children in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. Federal responses have been inconsistent, with some officials repeating disproven vaccine safety concerns.