Health officials reported two more measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the deaths on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Officials said both of the individuals were unvaccinated with one person living in Jefferson County and the other living in Mifflin County.

The DOH said they conducted rigorous investigations and cooperated with the Jefferson and Mifflin County coroners to confirm that the two deaths were associated with the measles. The investigations included confirming clinical evidence of a measles infection, a positive laboratory test and that the deaths were not due to unrelated causes, officials said.

The DOH also said the process aligned with their epidemiological case definition for determining a measles-associated death, which is available here.

So far in 2026, the DOH has recorded four measles-associated deaths and confirmed 693 measles cases in 38 counties. The prior two deaths occurred in Lancaster County on Aug. 25 and marked Pennsylvania’s first deaths from the virus in 35 years, according to the DOH.

“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. “We remain committed to working with our partners across Pennsylvania to stem this outbreak and prevent more deaths. That means ensuring people have the facts about measles and access to the MMR vaccine – which kept measles outbreaks at bay for decades.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also wrote a statement on the deaths.

Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed two more measles-associated deaths after local coroners reported these individuals died from complications associated with measles. That’s four total measles-associated deaths in our Commonwealth and the first Pennsylvania…

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 15, 2026

The best protection against the measles is to get fully vaccinated. Health officials said the MMR vaccine – which is administered over two doses – boosts a person’s immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause both short-term and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, according to the DOH. Nearly 20% of people identified with measles are hospitalized, health officials said. They also said that measles-associated deaths, while rare, occur in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.

Measles spreads when an infected person in their contagious phase breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.

Early symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a rash forms, starting on the head and spreading downward. Since early symptoms are similar to other respiratory viral infections, it’s important to contact a health care provider early if you exhibit some of those symptoms or believe you were exposed to the measles. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure and the virus can be deadly without proper protection or supportive care.

If you believe you were exposed to the measles or are experiencing symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately or call the DOH toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).