In 2025, three U.S. residents died from measles. Within the last two months, Pennsylvania officials have reported three measles-associated deaths in the same county, plus two other deaths.
Since Aug. 25, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported five measles-associated deaths as the state nears 1,000 cases. In 2025, the U.S. recorded 2,289 cases. This year’s tally is 3,659.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health said Sept. 30 it has told the CDC an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident tested positive for measles and died. The individual is the third Lancaster County, Pa., resident to have a measles-associated death, according to health officials. The other two measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania include a 40-year-old Jefferson County resident and an unvaccinated 18-year-old from Mifflin County who died of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare neurological complication.
Of the 943 measles cases reported in Pennsylvania, four were among vaccinated individuals, according to officials.
The CDC has reported two measles-associated deaths this year, along with an asterisk, saying the number is subject to change “as additional information becomes available and relevant reviews are completed.”
It is unknown if the CDC-reported deaths are in Pennsylvania, and if so, which ones. Pennsylvania records a death as measles-associated if it happens within 30 days of symptom onset and a positive test. The CDC said it is working with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists on a standard case definition for measles deaths.
