Pennsylvania reports a fifth measles death in an unvaccinated resident of Lancaster County, bringing total cases to 943 across 39 counties with at least 176 hospitalizations. This is the deadliest US measles outbreak in years, with all five deaths being among unvaccinated individuals. The CDC has acknowledged it may not be counting all measles-related deaths nationwide.
Background
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 due to high vaccination rates, but outbreaks have resurged amid anti-vaccine misinformation. The current Pennsylvania outbreak began in April 2026, primarily affecting the Lancaster County Amish community.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Oct 1, 2026 at 05:37 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10