Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
US measles cases reach highest level in 35 years
The US has recorded 5,182 measles cases so far in 2026, the highest number since 1991.
The highly contagious disease has also caused at least eight deaths, according to state health officials.
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but it has returned as vaccination rates have fallen and distrust of health authorities has grown.
The disease can cause fever, breathing problems and a rash, and sometimes leads to pneumonia, brain inflammation or death.
Children are among those at risk, including babies too young to be vaccinated.
Pennsylvania has been a major focus of the outbreak, and the CDC has provided the state with $4 million to fund response efforts through next year.
Vaccination remains the key protection against a disease that was once responsible for hundreds of child deaths each year in the US.
The United States recorded 4,852 confirmed measles cases by October 29, 2026, and the count rose to 5,182 by November 6.
The November 6 figure was the highest recorded by the CDC since 1991.
At least eight measles-related deaths had been reported nationwide by November 6.
Pennsylvania reported six deaths and 1,467 cases, while a seven-month-old child died in New York.
Articles cite declining vaccination rates and growing distrust of health authorities as factors in the resurgence.
- Who
- People across the United States have been affected, including children. State health officials reported measles-related deaths.
- What
- A measles outbreak has caused thousands of confirmed cases and deaths.
- When
- In 2026; 4,852 cases were confirmed by October 29, and 5,182 by November 6.
- Where
- Across the United States, with Pennsylvania reporting the most cases; a child also died in New York.
- Why
- The articles cite declining vaccination rates and growing distrust of health authorities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Measles was declared eliminated from the United States thanks to vaccination.
Attention turned to Pennsylvania, where the number of cases was the highest in the country.
The CDC count stood at 4,852 confirmed cases in the United States.
Authorities announced that a seven-month-old child had died of measles in New York.
The CDC reported 5,182 confirmed cases in the United States for the year.
- US cases by October 29
- 4,852
- US cases by November 6
- 5,182
- US measles-related deaths reported by November 6
- At least 8
- Pennsylvania cases in 2026
- 1,467
- Pennsylvania deaths in 2026
- 6
- New York child who died
- 7 months old
3 sources
What people are saying
tragic, and that is completely preventable.
The burden of these diseases will fall on children, who are not the ones who are making these decisions.
J'ai le cœur brisé d'apprendre qu'un enfant du comté de Lewis est mort après avoir contracté la rougeole.