CDC confirms two measles-related deaths nationwide as Pennsylvania health officials report four deaths associated with the disease in the state
The United States has recorded 3,659 measles cases in 2026, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated through September 24.
On Tuesday, the CDC also confirmed two measles-related deaths nationwide this year.
One of the largest outbreaks is in Pennsylvania, where the number of reported cases has surpassed 900.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 903 infections had been reported as of Monday, September 28, across 39 of the state’s 67 counties.
Pennsylvania reports 176 hospitalizations
At least 176 people have been hospitalized in the state.
Pennsylvania health officials have also reported four deaths associated with measles. Two involved unvaccinated adults, ages 18 and 40, while two involved infants who were still too young to receive the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, known as MMR.
There is a difference between state and federal death counts. The CDC uses data from the National Center for Health Statistics to officially confirm measles-related deaths and, as of Tuesday’s update, had counted two deaths nationwide. The agency said those numbers could change as additional cases are reviewed.
Less than 1% of Pennsylvania cases involve fully vaccinated people
According to Pennsylvania data, only four reported cases occurred among people considered fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, representing less than 1% of the state’s total.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The growing number of cases has federal and state health authorities monitoring new chains of transmission across different parts of the United States.
Sources: CDC, Reuters, Pennsylvania Department of Health and ABC News.
