Pennsylvania Reports Fourth Measles-Associated Death in 2026
Health officials in Pennsylvania have reported a fourth measles-associated death in the state this year, with the latest case involving an 18-year-old resident of Mifflin County.
According to the county coroner’s office, the teenager died from acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare but serious neurological complication linked to measles infection.
Four Measles-Associated Deaths Reported
The latest death follows the deaths of three other people in Pennsylvania. On Saturday, a 40-year-old woman from Jefferson County in western Pennsylvania died from complications related to measles.
Last month, two infants infected with measles died in Lancaster County in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The state health department said none of the four victims had been vaccinated. The two infants were below the age at which measles vaccination is currently recommended.
Pennsylvania Measles Cases Near 700
The measles outbreak in Pennsylvania continues to expand. Nearly 700 cases have been reported across 38 counties so far this year, including approximately 100 new illnesses during the past seven days.
State officials said the four measles-associated deaths are the first reported in Pennsylvania in 35 years.
The outbreak comes as the United States experiences its worst measles year since 1991. Nationwide, seven measles-associated deaths have been reported over the past two years, exceeding the combined number recorded during the previous three decades.
Health Officials Urge Awareness
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen expressed sympathy for the families affected by the recent deaths.
In a statement, Bogen said the state is dealing with its most serious measles outbreak in more than three decades and extended her condolences to the families who lost their loved ones to the highly contagious disease.
Health authorities continue to monitor the spread of measles across Pennsylvania as reported cases increase in multiple counties.
