PA General Assembly’s only elected physician comments on measles deaths
Deaths mark first in Pennsylvania from the disease in 35 years
Rep. Arvind Venkat August 25, 2026 | 10:14 AM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, the only elected physician serving in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly, has issued the following statement after two individuals from Lancaster County died in measles-associated cases:
“My prayers and deepest condolences are with the families of these two individuals who have died of measles, the first time in Pennsylvania in 35 years,” Venkat said. “Measles is a serious, highly infections and vaccine-preventable illness, and we are facing a worsening outbreak in our Commonwealth.”
Venkat encourages all Pennsylvanians who have not received the measles vaccine to do so, for the safety of themselves and their communities.
“Please speak with your physician and receive the measles vaccine if eligible and have not done so,” Venkat said. “The vaccine is safe and the only effective way to prevent you, your family and your community from suffering from measles.
“Sadly, vaccine policy has become political. Every elected official and those who aspire to lead our communities and Commonwealth should make clear where they stand on immunizations and how to end the growing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania.”
Elected in 2022, Venkat is the first physician to serve in the General Assembly in 60 years. He completed his medical education at Yale University and his emergency medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati/University Hospital. He continues to practice as an emergency physician while serving in elected office.
Along with Reps. Tarik Khan and Bridget Kosierowski, fellow health professional legislators, he is the lead sponsor on bipartisan legislation that has passed the state House to protect access to and insurance coverage of vaccines.