Two measles deaths in the US

Two residents of Pennsylvania died from measles, marking the first such fatalities in the state in 35 years, with 393 cases reported across 28 counties since the beginning of 2026, according to U.S. health officials on Tuesday.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health stated that the two individuals, who were residents of Lancaster County, had not been vaccinated. The department did not provide further details, citing privacy concerns.

Deborah Birx, the state’s health secretary, said, “People are not aware of this disease and do not fully appreciate its potential severity, as measles has been largely eliminated in the state for more than three decades.”

Measles cases have risen in the United States this year, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 2,777 confirmed cases nationwide as of August 20.