The United States has nearly reached 4,000 measles cases in 2026, with the CDC reporting 3,886 infections as of this week. This represents a dramatic increase compared to previous years, with cases already exceeding the 2025 total of 2,289. The country has experienced eight consecutive weeks of triple-digit case increases, with 42 active outbreaks currently tracked across 45 states, plus New York City and Washington, DC. About 95% of patients are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, and 61% involve children and teens.
Pennsylvania remains the outbreak epicenter with 977 cases, nearing 1,000. The state has reported a fifth measles-related death this week, though the CDC’s national count remains at two deaths. Pennsylvania’s cases concentrate in Lancaster County with 391 infections, followed by Mifflin County with 117. Unlike national trends where 61% of cases involve children and teens, Pennsylvania has seen 69% of infections in adults. The Pennsylvania Department of Health emphasizes that the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection and remains the best defense against measles.
Source: Read the full story at CIDRAP
This summary was written with AI assistance from the linked source.
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