US measles cases reach 4,852 as Pennsylvania outbreak spreads to 44 counties.
Is it spreading to new areas?
Spread confirmed
As of 31 October 2026, PennLive reported that measles cases have spread to 44 counties in Pennsylvania, while local health officials in DuPage County, Illinois previously reported a case linked to potential exposure at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Sources: PennLiveCBS NewsKey figures
| Figure | Value | Basis | As of | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total US Measles Cases Stated by the CDC. | 4,852 | Official | Sources: Reuters | |
| Pennsylvania Measles Cases Stated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. | Approaching 1,400 | Press reports | Sources: Reuters | |
| Minnesota Measles Cases in 2026 Stated by Minnesota health officials. | 80 | Official | Sources: CBS News | |
| US Measles Deaths Confirmed by CDC Stated by the CDC. | 3 | Official | Sources: Fox News |
Who says what
| Who | Says | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Reported 4,852 national measles cases and confirmed three measles-related deaths nationwide in 2026. | Sources: ReutersFox News | |
| Pennsylvania Department of Health | Reported Pennsylvania cases approaching 1,400, issued a health alert for pregnant women, and conducted word-of-mouth vaccine outreach. | Sources: Reuters6abc PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Inquirer | |
| Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen | Urged the public to trust vaccines during the outbreak and met with local healthcare leaders in Mifflin County. | Sources: WGALThe Philadelphia Inquirer | |
| Minnesota Health Officials | Reported 80 measles cases in Minnesota in 2026, the state's highest annual total since 1990. | Sources: CBS News |
Summary
As of 31 October 2026, total measles cases in the United States have reached 4,852, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak in Pennsylvania has expanded to 44 counties, with Lancaster County identified as the epicenter of the nation's largest measles outbreak in 35 years.
Public health epidemiologists assigned to Pennsylvania have extended their stay to support the state response. State health officials are carrying out direct outreach in under-immunized communities, while other states including Minnesota have also recorded elevated case counts during 2026.
Timeline
- CDC Deputy Director Jennifer Shuford resigns amid reporting of a dispute over unacknowledged measles deaths in Pennsylvania.Sources: The Philadelphia Inquirer
- Pennsylvania health department reports total state cases approaching 1,400.Sources: Reuters
- Minnesota health officials report 80 cases in 2026, and health officials warn of potential exposure at a Lebanon County Target store.Sources: CBS NewsLebanon Daily News
- CDC reports total US measles cases reach 4,852, while assigned epidemiologists extend their deployment in Pennsylvania.Sources: ReutersWGAL
- PennLive reports that measles has spread to 44 counties across Pennsylvania.Sources: PennLive
Still unknown
- Whether federal health authorities will approve requested national health alerts or diagnostic testing support for state health departments.
- The total verified count of measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania following disputed state and federal reports.
- The impact of community outreach and increased vaccine openness on halting transmission in central Pennsylvania.