US measles cases exceed 5,000 as health experts evaluate elimination status.
Is it spreading to new areas?
Spread confirmed
As of 10 November 2026, Bucks County health officials confirmed the county's first measles case following travel to central Pennsylvania, while health officials in other areas also confirmed additional infections linked to Macon County.
Sources: NBC10 PhiladelphiaFOX 29 PhiladelphiaCBS NewsKey figures
| Figure | Value | Basis | As of | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US total measles cases (2026) Stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). | 5,000+ | Official | Sources: The Washington PostAl JazeeraABC News | |
| Pennsylvania total cases Stated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. | 1,500+ | Press reports | Sources: ReutersU.S. News & World Report | |
| Pennsylvania measles deaths Stated by Pennsylvania state health officials. | 6 | Official | Sources: The Washington PostCBS NewsThe Philadelphia Inquirer |
Who says what
| Who | Says | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDC Director | Stated that federal measles response operations will remain unchanged even if the United States loses its official elimination status. | Sources: The HillCNNReuters | |
| Pan American Health Organization | Met with health officials to evaluate whether the United States maintains its measles elimination status. | Sources: The Philadelphia InquirerReuters | |
| Pennsylvania Department of Health | Reported that total statewide cases surpassed 1,500 across 45 counties, confirming six measles deaths while investigating a seventh report. | Sources: ReutersThe Philadelphia InquirerNBC10 Philadelphia | |
| Wisconsin Health Officials | Reported an infant death linked to a regional measles outbreak, representing the state's first measles death since 1990. | Sources: U.S. News & World ReportThe Washington PostReuters |
Summary
As of 11 November 2026, international and federal health experts are reviewing whether the United States will retain its official measles elimination status after total national cases passed 5,000 across 45 states. The director of the CDC stated that federal outbreak response measures will remain unchanged regardless of the status review outcome.
In Pennsylvania, total confirmed cases have surpassed 1,500 across 45 counties, with six confirmed deaths and a seventh suspected death under investigation in Franklin County. The virus continues to reach new jurisdictions, with Bucks County reporting its first confirmed case and public warnings issued for exposure sites in Wayne County, New York. Measles deaths and severe illness have also been reported in other states, including an infant death in Wisconsin.
Timeline
- Pennsylvania state health officials confirm a sixth measles death as cases spread across 45 counties, with a potential seventh death under investigation.Sources: The Washington PostNBC10 PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia Inquirer
- Wisconsin health officials confirm an infant death from measles, the state's first measles fatality in over three decades.Sources: U.S. News & World ReportThe Washington Post
- CDC records confirm total US measles cases in 2026 have surpassed 5,000 across 45 states, reaching the highest annual count in 35 years.Sources: The Washington PostAl Jazeera
- The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports state cases have passed 1,500, while Wayne County Public Health in New York warns of measles exposure in Newark and Lyons.Sources: ReutersWHEC
- Bucks County health officials report the county's first measles case, linked to travel in central Pennsylvania.Sources: NBC10 PhiladelphiaFOX 29 Philadelphia
- Health experts meet to review whether the United States retains its measles elimination status, while the CDC confirms federal outbreak response plans will remain unchanged.Sources: The HillReuters
Still unknown
- Whether international health organizations will officially revoke the United States' measles elimination status following the review.
- Whether Pennsylvania health officials will confirm a seventh measles-related death reported by the Franklin County coroner.
- The extent of further community spread in recently affected locations including Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Wayne County, New York.