US measles cases hit 4,588, more than twice last year's total

The number of confirmed US measles cases has hit 4,588, more than doubling last year's total, according to the latest CDC update. An additional 178 cases were reported this week, and 508 new infections confirmed over the past two weeks — more than the nation experienced from 2022 through 2024 combined. There have been 43 outbreaks this year. Of confirmed cases, 17% are in children under 5, 42% in kids and adolescents 5-19, with a 10% hospitalization rate overall (16% in under-5s). The CDC has acknowledged three deaths, but Pennsylvania alone reports five with a sixth under investigation. Since January 2025, 6,877 confirmed cases threaten the nation's measles elimination status, declared in 2000.

Hospitalization and deaths

• ▪CDC's official count of three measles deaths understates the true toll, as Pennsylvania alone reports five deaths with a sixth under investigation
• ▪10% of measles cases required hospitalization, including 16% of cases in children under 5

Vaccination status of cases

• ▪96% of confirmed measles cases were in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status

Outbreak scope and demographics

• ▪43 measles outbreaks have been reported across the United States in 2026, with one new outbreak added since the prior week
• ▪17% of confirmed cases were in children under 5, and 42% were in kids and adolescents ages 5 to 19

Elimination status risk

• ▪The United States is likely to lose its measles elimination status in 2026 due to sustained transmission
• ▪Since January 2025, there have been 6,877 confirmed measles cases in the United States

Expert assessment of true case count

• ▪The actual number of US measles cases is likely much higher than the official CDC case count

Case count milestone

• ▪US measles cases reached 4,588 as of October 23, 2026, more than doubling last year's total
• ▪178 new measles cases were reported in the week ending October 23, with 508 new cases confirmed in the past two weeks

Debatable claims

• ▪CDC's official count of three measles deaths understates the true toll, as Pennsylvania alone reports five deaths with a sixth under investigation
• ▪The actual number of US measles cases is likely much higher than the official CDC case count
• ▪The United States is likely to lose its measles elimination status in 2026 due to sustained transmission