Health · 2026-10-26 · Morning briefing
US measles cases double, with Pennsylvania at outbreak’s centre
The U.S. is facing its worst measles resurgence in decades, with more than 4,580 cases recorded nationwide in 2026 as of October 22nd. The figure is more than double the total for the entirety of 2025. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 96% of individuals who contracted the disease this year were either unvaccinated or their status was unknown.
Pennsylvania is the epicentre of the outbreak, confirming 1,338 cases across 44 counties. The spread has resulted in more than 250 hospitalisations and five deaths in the state. Health officials note that Amish communities in Lancaster and Mifflin counties, which have low vaccination rates, have been particularly affected.
The outbreak is not isolated. In New York, the governor declared a disaster emergency amid over 160 cases, and Utah has diagnosed more than 700 people. In response, Pennsylvania administered over 39,000 measles vaccines in the first three weeks of October, well above its monthly average of 25,000.
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- U.S. measles cases more than double what they were last year as outbreak spreads
- One US measles outbreak is proving particularly deadly. Here’s why
- Pennsylvania's measles outbreak is the largest in decades in the US
- Pennsylvania measles outbreak is first in 35 years to top 1,000 cases
- Pennsylvania Has Four Measles Dead. The Federal Count Still Reads Zero.
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