US measles cases surpass 5,000 across 45 states in largest outbreak since 1991.
Is it spreading to new areas?
Spread confirmed
As of 6 November 2026, the CDC reported confirmed measles cases expanding across 45 states, and Pennsylvania health officials confirmed cases across 45 counties.
Sources: ABC NewsNBC10 PhiladelphiaKey figures
| Figure | Value | Basis | As of | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Total Measles Cases Stated by the CDC as reported by news outlets; CIDRAP reported cases reached 5,100 on 6 November 2026. | More than 5,000 | Official | Sources: The Washington PostAl JazeeraABC NewsCIDRAP | |
| Pennsylvania Total Measles Cases Stated by Pennsylvania health officials. | Over 1,400 | Official | Sources: PennLive | |
| Lancaster County Measles Cases Stated by health officials as reported by LNP | LancasterOnline. | More than 500 | Official | Sources: LNP | LancasterOnlineLNP | LancasterOnline 2 | |
| Pennsylvania Measles Deaths Confirmed by Pennsylvania health officials; a potential seventh death reported by Franklin County's coroner is under investigation. | 6 confirmed | Official | Sources: The Washington PostNBC10 PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Inquirer |
Who says what
| Who | Says | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Reported more than 5,000 confirmed measles cases across 45 states in 2026, the highest nationwide annual count in 35 years. | Sources: The Washington PostAl JazeeraABC News | |
| Pennsylvania Department of Health | Confirmed six measles-related deaths as total state cases surpassed 1,400 across 45 counties, with adults accounting for two-thirds of cases. | Sources: NBC10 PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia InquirerCIDRAPPennLive | |
| New York State Department of Health | Reported the state's first measles-related death in over 30 years following the death of a child in Lewis County. | Sources: ABC NewsWGRZ | |
| Wisconsin Health Officials | Reported an infant's death linked to a measles outbreak, marking the state's first measles fatality since 1990. | Sources: ReutersThe Washington Post |
Summary
As of 7 November 2026, the CDC reported that confirmed measles cases in the United States have surpassed 5,000 across 45 states, marking the highest annual total in 35 years.
Pennsylvania has reported more than 1,400 cases across 45 counties, with adults comprising two-thirds of cases and Lancaster County exceeding 500 cases. Recent fatalities include six confirmed deaths in Pennsylvania, an infant death in Wisconsin, and a child's death in New York State.
Timeline
- New York state health officials reported the state's first measles death in over 30 years, involving a child in Lewis County.Sources: WGRZABC News
- Pennsylvania health officials confirmed a sixth measles-related death as state cases surpassed 1,400 across 45 counties and Lancaster County exceeded 500 cases.Sources: NBC10 PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia InquirerLNP | LancasterOnline
- Wisconsin health officials reported an infant death from measles, the state's first measles fatality since 1990.Sources: ReutersThe Washington Post
- Lancaster County officials launched an online vaccine clinic locator, while CBS News reported that 80 percent of Minnesota's cases were concentrated in Todd County.Sources: LNP | LancasterOnlineCBS News
- CDC figures reported by major news outlets showed nationwide US measles cases exceeded 5,000 across 45 states.Sources: The Washington PostAl JazeeraABC News
Still unknown
- Whether the Franklin County coroner's reported death in Pennsylvania will be officially confirmed as measles-related by state health officials.
- What specific transmission patterns explain two-thirds of Pennsylvania's measles cases occurring among adults.
- How quickly community vaccination rates will increase following local public health initiatives such as Lancaster County's clinic locator.