CDC confirms third measles-related death in US this year

The CDC confirmed a third measles-related death in the U.S. in 2026 amid the largest outbreak in decades, with total cases surpassing 4,400. Pennsylvania has the most cases, crossing 1,200 confirmed infections. About 96 percent of infected Americans were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. The CDC issued roughly $100 million in additional funds to state, local and tribal health departments for vaccination and prevention efforts.

Third measles death confirmation

• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention database does not specify when or where the third U.S. measles death of 2026 occurred
• ▪The National Center for Health Statistics received a report of a measles-related death and verified the disease was the underlying cause
• ▪Total measles cases in the United States for 2026 surpassed 4,400
• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a third U.S. measles-related death in 2026

Pennsylvania outbreak scale

• ▪The Franklin County Coroner's Office reported a 39-year-old woman with several underlying conditions died following a measles diagnosis in Pennsylvania
• ▪Pennsylvania has the largest portion of measles cases among U.S. states in 2026
• ▪Pennsylvania authorities reported a sixth death connected to the measles outbreak in October 2026
• ▪The total number of confirmed measles cases in Pennsylvania has crossed 1,200 in 2026

Federal-state reporting discrepancy

• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent a disease expert to Pennsylvania to assist with the state's measles outbreak
• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website states the number of measles deaths the agency recognizes could change as the agency updates its reporting
• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes three measles deaths in 2026 while Pennsylvania has recorded six deaths

Kennedy-Shapiro political feud

• ▪Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro accused Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of spreading misinformation that led to declining vaccination rates in August 2026
• ▪Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Josh Shapiro of politicizing Pennsylvania's measles outbreak
• ▪Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Josh Shapiro provided no evidence that Kennedy has spread misinformation
• ▪Senator Bill Cassidy argued the Trump administration is not promoting vaccinations vigorously enough in October 2026
• ▪About 96 percent of Americans infected with measles in 2026 were either not vaccinated against the illness or had an unknown vaccination status

CDC funding for prevention

• ▪The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued roughly $100 million in additional funds to state, local and tribal health departments for vaccinations, prevention and disease detection efforts in response to measles outbreaks
• ▪Infectious diseases specialists argue a clearer messaging campaign at the federal level would help strengthen the response to the measles outbreak in the United States

Perspective of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

• ▪Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Josh Shapiro provided no evidence that Kennedy has spread misinformation
• ▪Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused Josh Shapiro of politicizing Pennsylvania's measles outbreak