Two unvaccinated individuals have succumbed to measles in Pennsylvania, marking the first such deaths since 1987 and the first US fatalities in 2026. The tragic cases, reported by state health officials on Tuesday, highlight the resurgence of this highly contagious virus.

The deaths are part of a concerning trend; already this year, at least 2,777 measles cases have been recorded in the US, surpassing even 1991's record. This comes as vaccination rates have slipped to an alarming 92%, well below the critical 95% needed for herd immunity.

In Lancaster County, where both victims lived, only 87.6% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated against measles last year. Pennsylvania’s overall rate has dropped from a healthy 96.7% in 2017 to just 92.7% in 2026.

The resurgence is fueled by rising non-medical exemptions, which hit a record high of 4%, undermining public health gains made since the virus was declared eliminated in 2000. Measles has always been one of the most contagious diseases; now it's reclaiming its deadly power.