HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed two additional measles-associated deaths on September 15, 2026, bringing the state’s total to four this year — the highest number of measles-related deaths in the United States in decades.
What to know
Both individuals were unvaccinated. One lived in Jefferson County and the other in Mifflin County. The department said it conducted rigorous investigations with county coroners that included laboratory confirmation of measles infection and determination that the deaths were not due to unrelated causes.
The Mifflin County death involved an 18-year-old who died from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare neurological complication that can follow measles infection, according to the county coroner. Pennsylvania has not recorded measles-associated deaths in more than 35 years prior to this outbreak.
Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed two additional measles-associated deaths, one in Jefferson County and one in Mifflin County. Both individuals were unvaccinated. Read more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/newsroom/doh-confirms-two-additional-measles-associated-deaths-
— PA Department of Health (@PAHealthDept) September 15, 2026
As of mid-September, the state had confirmed 693 measles cases across 38 counties, with more than 130 hospitalizations. Health officials continue to stress that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection, providing about 97% lifetime immunity after two doses.
The outbreak has also drawn political attention, with differing views between state and federal health officials on how certain deaths are classified in national tallies.
Based on official statements from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and county coroners as of September 15–16, 2026.
