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Measles Deaths Reach 10 Nationwide as Pennsylvania Outbreak Deepens
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin each reported a measles-related death Friday, bringing the U.S. toll to 10 this year as the nation faces its worst outbreak since 1991 and awaits a decision on whether it has lost its measles-free status.
Two more measles-related deaths were reported Friday â one in Pennsylvania and one in Wisconsin â pushing the national toll to 10 this year as the country confronts its largest measles outbreak in more than three decades.
Pennsylvania's Department of Health said the latest death was an unvaccinated resident of Montour County who had tested positive for the virus. Wisconsin's health department confirmed a child had died but withheld further details, citing the family's privacy.
The two states have been hit hardest. Pennsylvania has now recorded seven measles-associated deaths, Wisconsin two and New York one. Before this year, none of the three states had seen a measles death in more than 30 years.
Measles, the most contagious virus known to humans, can cause severe complications including pneumonia and brain swelling, particularly in unvaccinated people.
As of Thursday, about 5,400 measles cases had been recorded nationwide â more than double last year's total and the highest count since 1991. Public health experts attribute the surge to falling vaccination rates combined with a global resurgence of the virus.
The milestone comes as the Pan American Health Organization, a branch of the World Health Organization, weighs whether the U.S. still qualifies as having eliminated measles. The agency met this week and is expected to announce its decision Tuesday. At issue is whether the virus has spread continuously in the U.S. for a full year. Canada lost its elimination status last year after the agency determined measles had been circulating there for at least 12 months.
The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer spreading continuously, though occasional outbreaks still occurred.
The outbreak has been especially dangerous for the youngest children. At least four of this year's deaths were in infants too young to receive their first vaccine dose. In response, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin now recommend an early dose for babies ages 6 to 11 months living in areas with high case counts. The first dose is typically given around a child's first birthday, with a second at ages 4 to 6. Two doses are 97% effective.
Nationwide, 75% of counties and jurisdictions with available data fall below the 95% vaccination rate needed to prevent outbreaks. The share of kindergartners vaccinated against measles has slipped from 95% in the 2019-20 school year to 92% in 2025-26.
For local families, health officials say the message is straightforward: check vaccination records, and if a child is behind schedule, contact a pediatrician or the county health department about catching up.