Measles Cases Reach 5,182 Across 45 States
Measles cases in the United States have surpassed 5,000 this year, reaching 5,182 confirmed infections across 45 states and Washington, D.C., according to newly updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total includes 18 cases among international visitors, as abcnews.com reported. This count represents the highest level recorded by the federal agency since 1991, according to The Times of Israel.
State health officials have confirmed eight measles-associated deaths this year. Pennsylvania accounts for six of those fatalities, while New York and Wisconsin have each reported one. Three of these deaths were confirmed by state health officials this week. The New York State Department of Health reported the state’s first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years, involving a child from upstate New York. Pennsylvania health officials confirmed the death of an unvaccinated resident in northwestern Pennsylvania’s Jefferson County, and Wisconsin health officials reported the death of an infant.
Federal data links most measles cases to unvaccinated individuals
Federal health data shows that approximately 96% of the confirmed measles cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains unknown. Meanwhile, 2% of cases occurred in patients who received a single dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, and another 2% occurred in individuals who received the recommended two doses. A plurality of cases has been recorded among those aged 5 to 19.
At least 11% of all confirmed patients have required hospitalization. That figure includes more than 1 in 10 infected children under the age of 5. The CDC recommends a two-dose schedule for the MMR vaccine, administering the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second dose between ages 4 and 6 before school entry. According to federal estimates, a single dose is 93% effective against the virus, while two doses provide 97% protection.
Kindergarten vaccination rates decline as elimination status faces review
During the 2025–26 school year, 92.4% of kindergartners received the MMR vaccine, down from 95.2% during the 2019–20 academic year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to CDC data reported by ABC News.
An independent commission of the Pan American Health Organization is scheduled to meet from November 10 to 13 to review whether the United States still maintains its measles elimination status, a designation held since 2000, Medical Daily reported. The evaluation will determine if uninterrupted transmission of the same virus genotype has circulated in the country for 12 months or more.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Outbreak
Which states have confirmed measles cases this year?
Confirmed cases span 45 states and Washington, D.C., including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
How many measles deaths have been reported across the country?
State health authorities have confirmed eight measles-associated deaths in 2026. Pennsylvania leads with six deaths, New York has recorded one, and Wisconsin has recorded one infant death, though the CDC has formally confirmed four of the total eight fatalities so far.
What is the current timeline for the Pan American Health Organization review?
The independent commission is scheduled to convene from November 10 to 13 to evaluate the U.S. elimination status. A public announcement regarding the decision may follow after the organization’s director reviews the panel’s recommendations.
Worth a look