By admin 
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported Tuesday two measles-associated deaths in unvaccinated Lancaster County residents.
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Measles deaths are “extremely rare” in the U.S., and the two measles-related deaths are the first nationally this year, as reported by The New York Times. Additionally, they are the first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years, according to the Washington Post.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 36 new measles outbreaks this year, with 2,777 confirmed cases – already surpassing 2025’s total annual case count.
Centre County has reported 14 measles cases so far this year as of Monday.
What to know about the measles vaccine
The measles vaccine is called MMR and is designed to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. Children are required to receive the vaccine to attend school in Pennsylvania, and the CDC reports two doses of MMR are 97% effective in protecting against measles.
The MMR vaccine is “very safe,” the CDC reports, and it is not linked to autism.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports most people should get vaccinated now if they have not received a measles vaccine previously or have not received two doses.
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Here’s what to know about the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s as the commonwealth grapples with an outbreak of the contagious disease. Guidelines vary when there is not a current outbreak, and school requirements are listed online.
- Babies ages 6 months to 11 months should get one early dose of MMR vaccine in areas with a current measles outbreak. They should still receive their routine doses at 12 to 15 months old and 4 to 6 years old.
- Children typically receive two doses of MMR, but should receive them more quickly in an outbreak. Children older than 1 year who did not yet start the MMR series should get two doses at least 28 days apart, the department says, while children who already received one dose should get their second dose now if it has been at least 28 days since their first dose.
- Adults and teens who never had measles or the measles vaccine should get two doses at least 28 days apart, according to the health department, and adults and teens who already received one dose should get a second dose now if it has been at least 28 days since their first dose.
Measles symptoms
Measles symptoms typically appear within 7 to 14 days, but can take up to 21 days after exposure to begin, Pennsylvania health officials report. Symptoms often include high fever, cough, runny nose, a rash and red, watery eyes.
If you believe you’ve been exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms, officials recommend you call your healthcare provider or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.
This story was originally published August 25, 2026 at 11:13 AM with the headline “What to know about protecting against measles as Pennsylvania reports 2 deaths.”
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