Measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania rise to 4, health officials say

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A fourth person has died of measles-related complications in Pennsylvania, the state’s health department announced Tuesday.

The person who died lived in Mifflin County and was unvaccinated, state officials said.

The Mifflin County coroner said the person was 18 years old, and the cause of death was determined to be “acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare and severe neurological complication of measles.”

The health department also confirmed the third measles-related death in the state, which was previously released by the coroner’s office in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County coroner said the person who died was a 40-year-old woman.

“My thoughts are with the two families who lost loved ones to this highly contagious virus, as Pennsylvania faces the worst measles outbreak in more than three decades,” Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in a statement.

The department has confirmed 693 measles cases in 38 counties so far in 2026.

Health officials continue to urge the public to get fully vaccinated against measles, saying the MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.

The last time the U.S. reported 4 measles deaths was in 1992. Last year, Texas reported two deaths and New Mexico reported one. 

People who believe they were exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or call the Health Department’s toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).