Two people have died of measles in Pennsylvania, according to the state health department. 

Both of them were unvaccinated. They are the first deaths from measles this year in the U.S., and the first in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 35 years. 

"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," Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in a statement announcing the deaths. 

The health department has confirmed 393 cases in 23 counties of Pennsylvania so far in 2026. 

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, the department warned, with nearly 20% of people who contract measles being hospitalized. Death related to measles occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases. 

Vaccination is the best protection against measles, the health department said. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.