Health · Public Health & Disease · 5 hrs ago
CDC confirms third measles death in US this year
The CDC confirmed a third measles death in the United States on October 20.
The agency counted 4,410 cases nationwide by October 15, during the country’s largest measles outbreak in decades.
Pennsylvania has reported 1,286 cases, the most of any state, and local officials say at least five people there have died from measles this year.
The CDC has not said where its three recorded deaths occurred, and its total is lower than figures reported by state officials.
The CDC now counts deaths using federal mortality records, rather than relying on state health department reports, and says its tally may change as reviews continue.
Federal support is being sent to Pennsylvania to help investigate the outbreak after the state requested assistance.
Measles spreads easily, but two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing it.
The CDC confirmed a third measles-related death in the United States this year.
The agency reported 4,410 confirmed cases nationwide as of October 15.
The CDC has not disclosed the states where the deaths occurred.
Its federal death count is lower than figures reported by state officials, particularly in Pennsylvania.
The CDC said its tally could change as reviews are completed.
- Who
- The CDC confirmed the death. The person’s identity was not stated.
- What
- A third person in the United States died due to measles this year.
- When
- The CDC confirmed the death on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- The death occurred in the United States; the state was not disclosed.
- Why
- The death certificate listed measles as the underlying cause of death.
CDC federal tally
State health departments
Death count
CDC federal tally
The CDC reported three deaths, using National Center for Health Statistics mortality data.
State health departments
Pennsylvania officials had reported at least five deaths linked to measles in 2026.
Counting method
CDC federal tally
The CDC is relying on National Center for Health Statistics data while reviews are completed.
State health departments
State officials report deaths through local and state health authorities.
The CDC had reported two measles-related deaths.
The CDC reported 4,410 measles cases nationwide.
The CDC confirmed a third measles-related death.
- CDC death count
- 3 deaths in 2026
- US cases
- 4,410 confirmed as of October 15
- Pennsylvania cases
- 1,286 as of October 19
- Pennsylvania deaths
- At least 5 reported by local health authorities