The United States has confirmed 4,410 measles cases so far in 2026, according to CDC data as of October 15, reported by Contagion Live. That is 330 more than a week earlier and about 93% more than the 2,289 cases reported in all of 2025.
451 people have been hospitalized, and Pennsylvania alone reports at least six measles-related deaths.
How fast are measles cases rising?
| Date (CDC data) | Total 2026 cases | Weekly increase |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1 | 3,887 | — |
| Oct. 8 | 4,080 | +193 (5.0%) |
| Oct. 15 | 4,410 | +330 (8.1%) |
The weekly jump to 330 cases was the biggest in the past three updates. Reuters reported the 4,080 figure on October 8, and the CDC's October 15 count was reported by Contagion Live a week later.
Where are the measles outbreaks?
Cases have been reported by 47 jurisdictions. Another 18 cases were in international visitors.
The largest outbreak is in Pennsylvania, with at least 1,200 cases. The state has asked the CDC for Epi-Aid help, and the CDC plans to send a disease detective. Fewer than 1% of Pennsylvania's cases were in fully vaccinated people. Deaths there include an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident and an unvaccinated 39-year-old woman from Franklin County, according to state health officials.
New York has declared a statewide disaster emergency. It reported 108 cases this year through October 3, including 92 since July 15, Reuters said.
There have been 42 new outbreaks this year. 96% of all cases (4,228) are linked to outbreaks: 2,844 from outbreaks that began in 2026 and 1,384 from outbreaks that began in 2025.
Who is getting sick?
| Group | Cases | Hospitalized |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 742 | 15% |
| Ages 5–19 | 1,856 | 5% |
| Adults 20+ | 1,787 | 14% |
| Age unknown | 25 | — |
About 96% of cases nationwide are in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
How many people have died?
The CDC had confirmed two measles-associated deaths in 2026 as of early October, without naming the states, Reuters reported. It reported three in 2025.
Pennsylvania health officials separately report at least six measles-related deaths this year. The most recent was an unvaccinated 39-year-old woman from Franklin County, according to Contagion Live. It is not clear whether the Pennsylvania deaths are included in the CDC count.
Last month the CDC began counting measles deaths using National Center for Health Statistics mortality data instead of state health department reports, a change that has drawn scrutiny, Reuters reported.
What are the symptoms of measles?
- High fever, often above 104°F
- Cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth
- A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin and spreads down the body
Measles spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours. Anyone who thinks they have measles should call ahead before going to a doctor's office or emergency room so staff can prevent spreading it.
How do you protect against measles?
The MMR vaccine is the best protection. Two doses are about 97% effective, according to the CDC. Children typically get the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Adults who are not sure they are protected should ask a doctor about a dose or a blood test.
A rare, delayed complication called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) can appear years after infection and is almost always fatal. A new CDC report linked cases in the Philippines to that country's 2018–2019 outbreak, Contagion Live reported.
