Pennsylvania reports sixth measles death as CDC deploys support

Pennsylvania recorded its sixth measles-related death on October 9, 2026, amid the state's worst outbreak of the disease in 35 years, The Hill reported. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on October 13 that it will deploy additional support to help combat the growing public health crisis, according to Wikipedia. [1][2]

Outlets differ on the total number of fatalities linked to the outbreak. The Hill reported six measles-related deaths as of Friday, while Wikipedia listed five deaths alongside 219 hospitalizations and over 1,100 confirmed cases by October 2026. [1][2]

The principal outbreak started in the Lebanon County region in late April 2026 before spreading across large parts of the state. More than 99 percent of all recorded cases, as well as every hospitalization and death, occurred among individuals who were not vaccinated against measles. [2]

Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 13.1 million residents and ranks fifth in population nationally. The ongoing surge in cases forms part of a broader resurgence of measles across the United States during the 2010s and 2020s. [2][3]