Fourth 'measles-associated' death reported in Pennsylvania, most reported in US since 1992

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed two additional cases of measles-related deaths in the state, bringing the total to four. 

This is the first time the United States has seen four deaths from measles in a single year since 1992, CNN reported. 

The two people who died, according to an announcement from the department, were unvaccinated. 

The department describes the deaths as "measles-associated," and critics have argued that by using the phrase, officials can conflate death caused by measles with death while testing positive for the measles virus, as they did with COVID deaths for years into the pandemic.

The department announcement said that the newest cases "met the criteria to be considered measles-associated deaths prior to announcing them, DOH conducted rigorous investigations with cooperation from the Jefferson and Mifflin County coroner’s offices. These investigations included confirming clinical evidence of a measles infection, a positive laboratory test, and that the death was not due to an unrelated cause." 

So far in 2026, DOH has confirmed 693 measles cases in 38 counties in the state. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems, including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20% of people identified with measles being hospitalized, 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,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in a statement.