Pennsylvania Confirms Fourth Measles Death
Health officials say an 18-year-old died as Pennsylvania's measles surge worsens.
September 15, 2026 · Updated Sep 15, 9:13pm ET
MEDIAiteGov. Shapiro Blasts RFK Jr. for ‘Playing Games With Public Health’ After New Measles Deaths Confirmed
BBC NewsPennsylvania officials report fourth measles-associated death in 'surge' of cases
Just the NewsFourth 'measles-associated' death reported in Pennsylvania, most reported in US since 1992
MS NOWPennsylvania reports 4th measles-related death
ARS Technica18-year-old dies of measles in PA from severe neurological complication
World News GroupFour measles-related deaths confirmed in Pennsylvania
PBS NewsHour18-year-old dies in Pennsylvania's 4th measles-associated death
STAT NewsA fourth measles death is reported in Pennsylvania
Washington ExaminerGov. Josh Shapiro blames RFK Jr. for new Pennsylvania measles deaths
The GuardianFourth person dies of measles-associated illness in US
NBC NewsPennsylvania teen dies from measles complications, health officials report
Washington PostPennsylvania teen died of ‘rare and severe’ complication of measles, coroner says
Politico2 more Pennsylvanians die with measles, reigniting fight between RFK Jr. and Josh Shapiro
TechdirtAdult Woman Dies From Measles Complications In Pennsylvania
43%
Left · 6
36%
Center · 5
21%
Right · 3
Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Pennsylvania health officials reported a fourth measles-associated death in the current outbreak: an unvaccinated 18-year-old from Mifflin County whose coroner cited acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a rare severe brain and spinal cord complication. The state has recorded nearly 700 cases, with Lancaster County a major center. Officials said none of the four people who died were vaccinated. Gov. Josh Shapiro
Josh ShapiroAmerican politician (born 1973) accused Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services since 2025 of undermining public health and CDC reporting; Kennedy denied a coverup and said Shapiro refused CDC help.
How the left told it
Left-leaning accounts led with Pennsylvania as the center of a worsening national measles comeback. MS NOW lingered on vaccination, citing the state health department saying none of the four victims were vaccinated. Mediaite blamed federal politics more directly, saying Kennedy kept casting doubt on vaccines long shown to be safe and effective.
How the right told it
Right-leaning accounts led with the deaths as grave evidence that vaccination remains central to prevention. World News Group stressed the historic setback, noting the United States had not tallied four measles deaths in a year since 1992. Washington Examiner turned to the political fight, highlighting Shapiro’s finger-pointing at Kennedy. Just the News questioned the term “measles-associated,” airing concern that officials could blur cause with infection status.
U.S. Measles Outbreak
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Oct 5New York Declares Measles EmergencyMostly Left
- Sep 30Pennsylvania Measles Deaths RiseBalanced
- Sep 17Pennsylvania Seeks CDC Measles AidBalanced
- Sep 15Pennsylvania Confirms Fourth Measles Death (this story)Balanced
- Sep 13Pennsylvania Reports Measles DeathMostly Center
