Pennsylvania has confirmed its sixth measles-associated death of 2026 after an unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County died from the infection, state health officials announced Wednesday.
The latest death brings the nationwide toll to 7 this year, including 6 in Pennsylvania and 1 in New York. The Pennsylvania Department of Health said the death was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but declined to release the person’s age or other identifying details to protect the family’s privacy.
Pennsylvania has recorded 1,467 confirmed measles cases across 45 counties this year, including 34 new cases since Nov. 2. The outbreak has also resulted in 283 hospitalizations, according to the state health department.
Of the 6 confirmed deaths in Pennsylvania, 2 were residents of Jefferson County, 3 were from Lancaster County and 1 was from Mifflin County.
The department also addressed a previously reported death involving a Franklin County resident in October. As of Wednesday, the state said its investigation had not established that the case met the criteria for classification as a measles-associated death.
The outbreak began in late April, and health officials have reported increased demand for vaccinations. Pennsylvania health care providers administered more than 61,000 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in October, compared with approximately 25,000 doses in a typical month.
More than 56,000 doses were also administered in September. State health centers have additionally provided more than 6,800 vaccinations through 241 pop-up clinics in affected communities.
The CDC recommends 2 doses of the MMR vaccine for children, with the second dose typically given between ages 4 and 6. Pennsylvania health officials say 2 doses provide approximately 97% protection against measles.
Nationally, more than 4,800 measles cases have been confirmed in 2026, making it the highest annual total in the United States since 1991.