US measles outbreak grows as Pennsylvania cases reach 1,317 and federal help arrives.
Is it spreading to new areas?
Spread confirmed
As of 22 October 2026, health authorities confirmed new measles cases and exposure sites across multiple regions, including DuPage County in Illinois, Houston County in Georgia, Minnesota, and New York State.
Sources: CBS NewsCBS News 2CIDRAPSyracuse.comKey figures
| Figure | Value | Basis | As of | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Confirmed Cases Reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Adults account for two-thirds of state cases. | 1,317 | Press reports | Sources: ReutersU.S. News & World ReportThe Philadelphia Inquirer | |
| US Total Cases CIDRAP and Reuters cited official national data of 4,410 cases as of Oct 16, while ABC News cited a CDC report of over 900 cases across 24 states as of Oct 18. | 4,410 (or 900+ across 24 states per CDC direct reporting) | Official | Sources: CIDRAPReutersABC News | |
| Measles Deaths CDC confirmed 3 national deaths, while Pennsylvania state reporting recorded 6 deaths, asserting CDC counts exclude state data. | 3 national (CDC) / 6 in Pennsylvania (State) | Official | Sources: Fox NewsFOX 29 PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Inquirer | |
| Lancaster County Cases Reported by LNP following the largest weekly case increase since September. | 452 | Press reports | Sources: LNP | LancasterOnline | |
| Minnesota Cases Reported by the Minnesota Department of Health across central and southeastern regions. | 25 | Press reports | Sources: CBS NewsCIDRAP |
Who says what
| Who | Says | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Department of Health | Issued an alert on congenital measles risks for pregnant women and reported 1,317 confirmed cases in the state. | Sources: 6abc PhiladelphiaReuters | |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Dispatched a disease investigator to Pennsylvania and confirmed 3 national measles deaths in 2026, while denying approval for a high-volume measles test due to competing priorities. | Sources: CBS NewsFox NewsThe Guardian | |
| Minnesota Department of Health | Confirmed 25 measles cases across central and southeastern areas of the state. | Sources: CBS News |
Summary
As of 22 October 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a health alert regarding measles risks for pregnant women as total confirmed cases in the state reached 1,317. The CDC sent a disease investigator to Pennsylvania to assist with the state's outbreak response following requests from state health officials.
Nationally, reported measles cases have surpassed 4,400 across the United States in 2026, making it the largest US outbreak since 1991. Infections and public exposure sites continue to be identified in multiple states including Illinois, Georgia, Minnesota, and New York.
A discrepancy remains between federal and state fatality figures: the CDC has officially confirmed 3 national measles deaths in 2026, whereas Pennsylvania officials report 6 deaths in the state and criticize federal counts for excluding state-recorded deaths.
Timeline
- National measles totals reached 4,410 following an 8% weekly increase, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania reached 452 cases.Sources: CIDRAPLNP | LancasterOnline
- Georgia health officials warned of potential measles exposure at a restaurant in Houston County.Sources: CBS News
- Pennsylvania reported its sixth measles death and issued warnings on congenital measles risks during pregnancy.Sources: FOX 29 PhiladelphiaNBC News
- Pennsylvania confirmed measles cases reached 1,317, and DuPage County in Illinois reported its first case of 2026 tied to Chicago O'Hare Airport.Sources: ReutersCBS News
- Pennsylvania issued an alert regarding measles risks for pregnant women, and the CDC deployed a disease investigator to the state.Sources: 6abc PhiladelphiaCBS News
Still unknown
- Why the CDC national death count does not include all measles-related deaths reported by Pennsylvania health officials.
- Whether federal officials will approve state requests for faster, high-volume measles testing protocols.
- The total extent of exposure and secondary transmission stemming from public exposure sites in Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota.