Pennsylvania reports sixth measles-linked death as outbreak continues

Pennsylvania reported its sixth measles-associated death of 2026 on November 4 after an unvaccinated 21-year-old woman died following postpartum complications. As the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, Pennsylvania has recorded 1,467 of the nation's 4,852 confirmed cases. The rise in cases threatens the country's measles elimination status, held since 2000, which the Pan American Health Organization will review in November 2026.

Pennsylvania outbreak and latest casualty

• ▪Pennsylvania health officials reported 1,467 confirmed measles cases and 283 hospitalizations as of November 4, 2026
• ▪The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported the state's sixth measles-associated death: an unvaccinated 21-year-old woman who died following postpartum complications
• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously announced plans to deploy additional support to Pennsylvania to help investigate the ongoing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania

CDC tracking and national numbers

• ▪Under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention switched to tracking measles mortality using National Center for Health Statistics data rather than state health department figures
• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded three measles-related deaths in the United States in 2026 without naming the states where they occurred
• ▪Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showed 4,852 confirmed measles cases reported nationwide in the United States as of October 29, 2026