Unvaccinated Lancaster County resident dies from measles
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. —
An unvaccinated Lancaster County resident who tested positive for measles has died, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported Wednesday to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The person is the fifth Pennsylvania resident and the third Lancaster County resident to meet the definition of a measles-associated death in 2026, according to the department. The state has confirmed 943 measles cases across 39 counties so far this year.
The death will be added to the department’s measles dashboard later Wednesday.
Health officials said they would not release additional details that could identify the person, citing privacy laws and the family’s need to mourn privately.
The department said it continues to lead Pennsylvania’s response to the ongoing outbreak and is publishing updated information about cases, hospitalizations and deaths on its measles dashboard.
Although daily figures fluctuate, officials said tracking the trends gives residents and health care providers insight into community transmission across Pennsylvania and helps guide the state’s response.
This content is imported from infogram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
About measlesMeasles is highly contagious and can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, long-term complications, and, in rare cases, death.Nearly 20% of people with measles are hospitalized; about 1 to 3 per 1,000 cases result in death.The virus spreads through breathing, coughing, or sneezing and can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours.Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.A rash typically appears a few days later, beginning on the head and spreading downward.Symptoms may develop 7–21 days after exposure.If you may have been exposed or develop symptoms, contact your health care provider promptly or call 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).