Pennsylvania has reported its fifth measles-associated death of 2026 as the state's ongoing outbreak climbs to 943 confirmed cases across 39 counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Wednesday that an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles had died. Health officials did not release further information about the individual, citing privacy protections.
Context of the Outbreak
The death marks the fifth Pennsylvania resident to meet the state’s definition of a measles-associated death this year, following a fourth death reported two weeks ago. Due to changes in reporting methods by the Trump administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not included these Pennsylvania measles deaths in its national tally.
As of September 28, Pennsylvania has recorded 40 new positive cases. The outbreak has now reached 39 counties, with 943 cumulative confirmed cases, 176 hospitalizations, and five confirmed measles-associated deaths. Notably, only four of those confirmed cases involved vaccinated individuals, representing less than 1% of the state’s total cases.
Current Developments
Health officials emphasize that daily totals can change, but monitoring the numbers provides residents and healthcare providers with a clearer picture of community transmission across Pennsylvania, aiding the state’s response. Agricultural communities in Lancaster and Mifflin counties have remained at the center of the outbreak.
