US measles cases reach 4,852 as Pennsylvania outbreak expands to 44 counties
Is it spreading to new areas?
Spread confirmed
As of 1 November 2026, local media reported that measles has spread to 44 counties in Pennsylvania, while Minnesota health officials confirmed 80 cases in their state.
Sources: PennLiveCBS NewsKey figures
| Figure | Value | Basis | As of | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total US Measles Cases Stated by the CDC; CIDRAP separately reported cases exceeding 4,800 | 4,852 | Official | Sources: ReutersCIDRAP | |
| Pennsylvania Measles Cases Stated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health; previously reported at 1,360 on 26 October | Approaching 1,400 | Official | Sources: ReutersPennLiveReuters 2 | |
| Lancaster County Resident Cases Reported by local outlet LNP | LancasterOnline | 478 | Unverified | Sources: LNP | LancasterOnlineLNP | LancasterOnline 2 | |
| Confirmed US Measles Deaths Confirmed nationwide by the CDC; Pennsylvania health officials and a local coroner reported additional deaths not acknowledged by the CDC | 3 | Official | Sources: Fox NewsThe Philadelphia InquirerThe Philadelphia Inquirer 2ABC News | |
| Minnesota Measles Cases Stated by Minnesota health officials, marking the state's highest annual total since 1990 | 80 | Official | Sources: CBS News | |
| Pennsylvania Counties Affected Reported by PennLive | 44 | Unverified | Sources: PennLive |
Who says what
| Who | Says | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro | Outlined Pennsylvania's response strategy to address the ongoing state measles outbreak. | Sources: Politico | |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Reported total US cases at 4,852, confirmed three national deaths in 2026, and dispatched an investigator to Pennsylvania. | Sources: ReutersFox NewsCBS News | |
| Pennsylvania Department of Health | Reported cases approaching 1,400, issued alerts on congenital measles and pregnancy risks, and noted unacknowledged measles deaths in the state. | Sources: Reuters6abc PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia InquirerThe Hill | |
| Minnesota Health Officials | Recorded 80 measles cases in Minnesota during 2026, the highest count for the state since 1990. | Sources: CBS News |
Summary
As of 1 November 2026, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro outlined the state's response strategy to address an ongoing measles outbreak that has spread across 44 Pennsylvania counties, while total US cases have reached 4,852 according to the CDC.
Lancaster County remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 478 confirmed cases reported among residents, while adults account for two-thirds of all infections in Pennsylvania. State health officials and local health teams have adapted public health strategies, utilizing word-of-mouth outreach and direct home visits to encourage vaccination in under-immunized Amish communities.
Nationally, the CDC has confirmed three measles-related deaths in 2026, though local reporting and state records indicate additional unacknowledged deaths in Pennsylvania. Disagreements between state and federal officials have also emerged over CDC delays in validating rapid measles tests and issuing guidance on measles during pregnancy.
Timeline
- Pennsylvania cases reach 1,317 as the CDC confirms a third US measles-related death in 2026.Sources: ReutersFox News
- The CDC sends an investigator to Pennsylvania, while reports surface of delays in CDC validation and approval for faster measles tests.Sources: CBS NewsThe GuardianU.S. News & World Report
- Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 73 new cases over one week, bringing the state total to 1,360.Sources: 6abc PhiladelphiaReuters
- CDC Deputy Director Jennifer Shuford resigns amid disagreement over the agency's refusal to acknowledge Pennsylvania measles deaths.Sources: The Philadelphia Inquirer
- Pennsylvania measles cases approach 1,400 as another measles-related death is reported in the state.Sources: ReutersABC News
- Minnesota records 80 measles cases in 2026, while Pennsylvania health officials warn of public exposure at a Lebanon County Target store.Sources: CBS NewsLebanon Daily News
- CDC reports nationwide measles cases have reached 4,852; PA Secretary of Health Debra Bogen holds a response roundtable in Mifflin County.Sources: ReutersThe Philadelphia Inquirer
- PennLive reports measles cases have spread across 44 counties in Pennsylvania.Sources: PennLive
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro outlines the state's strategy to address the measles outbreak.Sources: Politico
Still unknown
- Why the CDC denied approval and validation requests from state health departments for high-volume, faster measles tests.
- The total count and reconciliation of measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania that federal health officials have not included in CDC tallies.
- Whether increased vaccine openness in Pennsylvania Amish communities will halt transmission across central Pennsylvania counties.
- The official status of CDC guidance regarding measles risks during pregnancy following unapproved alerts prepared by CDC scientists.