The Pennsylvania Measles Mess
A controversy has emerged in Pennsylvania regarding the reporting of two measles-associated deaths, with local officials and the state Health Department providing conflicting information. The incident has sparked accusations of political manipulation and poor communication regarding public health data.
Why it matters
Demonstrates the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in public health communication, especially during disease outbreaks.
Did state officials overstate the evidence for deaths from the disease?
Matthew Hatcher / Getty August 27, 2026, 7:47 PM ET Share Save Measles outbreaks around the country are already a disaster, but more bad news arrived on Tuesday. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that two measles-associated deaths had occurred in Lancaster County. “These mark the first deaths related to measles within the Commonwealth in 35 years,” an accompanying statement declared. Both individuals were said to have been unvaccinated, but the state Health Department declined to release any other information about the cases, citing privacy concerns.
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