Measles Cases Surge Nationwide, Pennsylvania Leads with Over 1,300 Infections
More than 4,580 measles cases have been reported in the United States since late October, with Pennsylvania accounting for over 1,300 cases, hospitalizations and five deaths.
The United States has recorded over 4,580 measles infections since Oct. 22, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a figure that exceeds twice the total number reported for the entire previous year. Health officials say 96% of the 2026 cases were among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Pennsylvania is currently the most affected state, with 1,338 confirmed cases across 44 counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 21 new cases on Oct. 21, more than 250 hospitalizations and five deaths, three of which occurred in Lancaster County, where local Amish communities have low vaccination rates.
State Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen met with healthcare providers in Mifflin County to discuss response needs, stating, "> Our state metrics and data tell part of the story of the measles outbreak in Pennsylvania, but listening to the people on the ground caring for people in affected communities like Mifflin County is essential to refining our public health response."
Health officials emphasize that two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective, while a single dose offers roughly 93% protection. In the first three weeks of October, more than 39,000 measles vaccines were administered in Pennsylvania, surpassing the typical monthly average of 25,000.
Neighboring states are also seeing increases. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency after confirming over 160 cases, and Utah reported more than 700 diagnoses this year, though the state has not recorded new cases in the past three weeks.