Pennsylvania measles cases reach 1,433 amid signs outbreak may be slowing
Is it spreading to new areas?
Spread confirmed
As of 2 November 2026, PennLive reported that measles has spread to 44 counties in Pennsylvania, while Macon County health officials also reported cases connected to a prior infection.
Sources: PennLiveCBS NewsKey figures
| Figure | Value | Basis | As of | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US total measles cases Stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). | 4,852 | Official | Sources: Reuters | |
| Pennsylvania total measles cases Stated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported over 1,400 cases. | 1,433 | Press reports | Sources: ReutersThe Philadelphia Inquirer | |
| US measles-related deaths Stated by the CDC. Pennsylvania state and local officials have separately reported additional measles-related deaths. | 3 | Official | Sources: Fox NewsThe Philadelphia InquirerThe Philadelphia Inquirer 2 | |
| Minnesota total measles cases Stated by Minnesota health officials, marking the state's highest annual total since 1990. | 80 | Official | Sources: CBS News |
Who says what
| Who | Says | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Department of Health | Reported 1,433 state measles cases, issued a health alert regarding measles risks in pregnancy, and warned of potential exposure locations. | Sources: Reuters6abc PhiladelphiaWGAL | |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Reported 4,852 national measles cases, confirmed three US deaths in 2026, and sent disease investigators to Pennsylvania. | Sources: ReutersFox NewsCBS News | |
| Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro | Outlined the state's strategy to address the measles outbreak. | Sources: Politico | |
| Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen | Urged public trust in vaccines and met with regional health leaders to coordinate outbreak response. | Sources: WGALThe Philadelphia Inquirer |
Summary
As of 2 November 2026, the United States is experiencing its largest measles outbreak year since 1991. The national surge is led by an outbreak in Pennsylvania that began in Lebanon County in late April 2026 and spread across the state, with Lancaster County recording the most cases. In New York State, an outbreak centered in under-immunized rural communities led to a state disaster emergency declaration on 5 October 2026.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported that confirmed state cases reached 1,433 on 2 November 2026, while total national cases surpassed 4,850 according to the CDC. Reports indicate that measles has reached 44 counties in Pennsylvania, though local media report signs that statewide transmission may be slowing despite 18 new weekly cases reported in Lancaster County.
The federal and state public health response includes CDC disease detectives assisting state teams in Pennsylvania and public health outreach adapted for under-immunized groups. Dispute over reported measles mortality led to the resignation of a CDC deputy director, while state officials continue urging vaccine uptake across affected regions.
Timeline
- The CDC confirmed a third US measles death in 2026 as Pennsylvania health officials warned of congenital measles risks.Sources: Fox NewsThe Hill
- The CDC assigned a disease investigator to Pennsylvania while state health officials issued an alert for pregnant women.Sources: CBS News6abc Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania cases reached 1,360 following 73 new reported cases over a one-week period.Sources: Reuters6abc Philadelphia
- CDC Deputy Director Jennifer Shuford resigned amid reports of a dispute over Pennsylvania measles death counts.Sources: The Philadelphia Inquirer
- Minnesota reported 80 cases in 2026, while Pennsylvania officials warned of potential exposure at a Target store.Sources: CBS NewsWGALLebanon Daily News
- The CDC updated the national total to 4,852 cases as public health epidemiologists extended their deployment in Pennsylvania.Sources: ReutersWGAL
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro presented the state's strategy to control the measles outbreak.Sources: Politico
- Pennsylvania health officials reported total state cases reached 1,433, with local reporting showing 18 new cases in Lancaster County over the past week.Sources: ReutersLNP | LancasterOnlineThe Philadelphia Inquirer
Still unknown
- The official resolution of mortality counts between state health departments and the CDC.
- Whether the reported slowing of Pennsylvania's outbreak pace will continue across all 44 affected counties.
- The degree to which community-level vaccine outreach will increase MMR immunization coverage in under-immunized areas.