CDC reports more than 5,000 measles cases, highest number in 35 years
Summary
The CDC reported 5,182 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026 through November 6, the highest annual total since 1991 and more than double the 2025 count. The federal agency reports four deaths, while Pennsylvania reports six; officials disagree over how to classify measles-related deaths.Key Facts
- The CDC recorded 5,182 confirmed U.S. measles cases in 2026, the most since 1991.
- About 59 percent of cases were among children and teenagers; children under five accounted for 18 percent.
- A total of 4,993 cases were associated with outbreaks.
- Kindergarten vaccination coverage fell from 95.2 percent in the 2019–2020 school year to 92.4 percent in 2025–2026.
- The CDC reported four measles deaths in 2026, while Pennsylvania reported six deaths and 1,487 cases.
- Pennsylvania counts a death as measles-associated when a person with confirmed measles dies within 30 days of symptoms, unless the death had an unrelated cause.
- The CDC is working with a public health association to develop a standard definition for measles deaths.
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