US measles cases exceed 5,000 as outbreaks expand across multiple states
Is it spreading to new areas?
Spread confirmed
As of 6 November 2026, the CDC reported confirmed measles cases across 45 states, while Pennsylvania health officials reported cases in 45 counties.
Sources: ABC NewsNBC10 PhiladelphiaKey figures
| Figure | Value | Basis | As of | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US total measles cases The CDC reported cases surpassed 5,000 across 45 states, while CIDRAP reported national cases topped 5,100. | 5,000 to 5,100 species | Official | Sources: ABC NewsCIDRAPReuters | |
| Pennsylvania total cases Stated by Pennsylvania health officials. | Over 1,400 | Official | Sources: PennLive | |
| Lancaster County cases Stated by health officials. | Over 500 | Official | Sources: LNP | LancasterOnlineLNP | LancasterOnline 2 | |
| Pennsylvania measles deaths Confirmed by Pennsylvania state health officials; a seventh reported death is under investigation. | 6 confirmed | Official | Sources: The Washington PostNBC10 PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Inquirer | |
| Wisconsin measles deaths Reported by Wisconsin health officials involving an infant, the state's first measles death since 1990. | 1 | Official | Sources: ReutersThe Washington PostBloomberg |
Who says what
| Who | Says | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Reported that US measles cases have surpassed 5,000 across 45 states. | Sources: ABC News | |
| Pennsylvania Department of Health | Confirmed six measles-related deaths in the state across 45 affected counties. | Sources: NBC10 PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Inquirer | |
| Lancaster County Officials | Unveiled an online locator tool for measles vaccination clinics to help residents find local vaccine sites. | Sources: LNP | LancasterOnline | |
| Wisconsin Health Officials | Confirmed an infant measles death, marking the state's first measles fatality since 1990. | Sources: ReutersThe Washington Post |
Summary
As of 6 November 2026, total reported measles cases in the United States have surpassed 5,000 across 45 states, making 2026 the highest US measles year since 1991. The CDC reported that national cases exceeded 5,000, while independent reporting indicates total cases have passed 5,100.
Pennsylvania remains heavily affected with over 1,400 cases across 45 counties, led by Lancaster County with more than 500 cases. Adults account for two-thirds of Pennsylvania's cases. Recent measles deaths have been reported in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Timeline
- New York health officials reported a child's death in Lewis County, the state's first measles fatality in over 30 years, as Pennsylvania cases passed 1,400.Sources: WGRZABC NewsPennLive
- Pennsylvania health officials confirmed a sixth measles death as cases spread to 45 counties and Lancaster County surpassed 500 cases.Sources: NBC10 PhiladelphiaLNP | LancasterOnlineThe Philadelphia Inquirer
- Wisconsin health officials reported the death of an infant from measles, marking the state's first measles fatality since 1990.Sources: ReutersThe Washington PostCIDRAP
- The CDC reported that total US measles cases surpassed 5,000 across 45 states, while Lancaster County launched an online vaccination clinic locator.Sources: ABC NewsCIDRAPLNP | LancasterOnline
Still unknown
- Whether health officials will confirm a seventh suspected measles death reported by the Franklin County coroner in Pennsylvania.
- The full scope and trajectory of growing outbreaks reported in Minnesota's Todd County and Wisconsin.
- How quickly vaccination efforts will slow spread among adults, who comprise two-thirds of cases in Pennsylvania.