US measles cases reach 4,410 in 2026 as CDC sends investigator to Pennsylvania
The CDC reports 451 hospitalisations nationwide, while Pennsylvania accounts for 1,222 cases, five confirmed deaths and a sixth under investigation.
At a glance
- The CDC has recorded 4,410 US measles cases in 2026, up 330 in a week, with 451 hospitalisations nationwide.
- Pennsylvania has reported 1,222 cases across 42 counties, 225 hospitalisations and five confirmed deaths.
- Kindergarten measles vaccination coverage fell to 92.4 percent in 2025–2026 from 95.2 percent in 2019–2020.
The United States has recorded 4,410 measles cases so far in 2026, a rise of 330 in a single week, and federal health officials are sending an investigator to Pennsylvania to help contain the country's largest outbreak.
Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also show 451 measles-related hospitalisations nationwide this year. Children and teenagers aged five to 19 account for 42 percent of cases, adults aged 20 and older for 41 percent, and children under five for 17 percent.
Pennsylvania hit hardest
Pennsylvania reported 1,222 cases across 42 counties as of Wednesday, including 86 new infections since October 9, according to the state health department. The state has recorded 225 hospitalisations and five confirmed measles-associated deaths, and officials are investigating a sixth reported death.
The CDC is deploying a "disease detective" from its Epidemic Intelligence Service to work with state health officials on the outbreak. The move follows Pennsylvania's request for federal assistance, known as an Epi-Aid.
Vaccination drive expands
State health centre staff in Pennsylvania have administered more than 5,900 measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine doses at 202 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in late April.
In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency on October 5 as measles cases rose in nearby Pennsylvania. The order is effective until November 4 and expands the number of healthcare professionals authorised to administer vaccines, while allowing nurses greater flexibility to order measles testing.
Coverage gaps
Measles vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners fell from 95.2 percent in the 2019–2020 school year to 92.4 percent in 2025–2026, according to CDC data. The agency estimates that about 280,000 kindergarteners are at risk because of gaps in vaccination coverage.
Source: Al Jazeera.
Questions and answers
- How many measles cases are there in the US in 2026?
- The CDC has recorded 4,410 measles cases so far in 2026, an increase of 330 in a week, along with 451 measles-related hospitalisations nationwide.
- Which US state has the largest measles outbreak?
- Pennsylvania, with 1,222 cases across 42 counties as of Wednesday, 225 hospitalisations and five confirmed measles-associated deaths. A sixth reported death is under investigation.
- Why is the CDC sending an investigator to Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania asked for federal assistance, known as an Epi-Aid. The CDC is sending a "disease detective" from its Epidemic Intelligence Service to work with state health officials on the outbreak.
