Pennsylvania confirms fifth measles-associated death as US outbreak grows
Pennsylvania has confirmed its fifth measles-associated death this year as the state faces its worst outbreak since 1991. With nearly 1,000 cases reported, health officials are intensifying vaccination efforts in under-vaccinated communities.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a disease once declared eliminated in the US highlights growing public health challenges related to vaccine skepticism.
Cases have more than doubled since August as a dispute with federal health officials over the death count continues.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info MMR vaccines sit inside a medical refrigerator in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on February 6 [Jayla Whitfield-Anderson/Reuters] By Catherine Nouhan Published On 30 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 Pennsylvania has confirmed a fifth measles-associated death this year, as the number of infections approaches 1,000 amid a rapidly growing outbreak across the state.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Wednesday that an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County who tested positive for measles had died.
The department said the death was reported to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The state has recorded 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties so far in 2026, including 40 new cases since September 28. At least 176 people have been hospitalised.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Fifth unvaccinated person dies of measles; CDC still not counting all deaths
CDC updates measles death toll to 2 in 2026
Pennsylvania reports fifth measles-related death of the year amid outbreak
CDC updates measles toll, now counts 2 deaths - The Washington Post
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