State health policy stories

Oct 9, 2026

US measles cases reach 4,080 in 2026, highest level in decades

The CDC reported 4,080 measles cases across 45 states as of October 2026, marking the highest annual total in decades. Pennsylvania accounts for more than 25 percent of infections, with up to five deaths reported in the state.

Oct 9, 20266 sources

Oct 5, 2026

New York declares state of emergency as measles cases surge

Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in response to rising measles cases across New York state, as infections skyrocket nationwide with Pennsylvania reporting over 1,000 cases in its largest outbreak in decades.

Oct 5, 20262 sources

Aug 10, 2026

Maryland announces $80 million in rural health transformation program awards

Governor Moore and the Maryland Department of Health announced the first round of awards totaling $80 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program, aimed at improving healthcare access and infrastructure in rural areas of the state.

Aug 10, 20261 source

Top claims

▪Adults aged 20 and older accounted for 1,635 measles cases in 2026, representing 40% of the total U.S. infections.
▪Pennsylvania recorded 219 hospitalizations tied to its measles outbreak as of October 2026.
▪Approximately 95% of confirmed U.S. measles cases in 2026 occurred among individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.

People involved

Wes Moore

Subtopics

Government and Regulatory Policy1 Health care funding1 Health surveillance1 Healthcare Access and Insurance1 Healthcare costs & access disparities1 Healthcare infrastructure1 Public healthcare1 Rural healthcare access1 State vaccine mandate debates and parental rights1 Vaccine policy & outbreak response1

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