U.S. measles cases more than double what they were last year as outbreak spreads

Key Points:

• The U.S. is facing its worst measles resurgence in decades, with over 4,580 cases reported since October 22, 2026, more than double the total cases in 2025, and 96% of those infected were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
• Pennsylvania is a major hotspot, with 1,338 confirmed cases across 44 counties, over 250 hospitalizations, and five deaths, primarily affecting Amish communities in Lancaster and Mifflin counties, where vaccination rates are low.
• Pennsylvania health officials, including Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, are engaging local healthcare providers to improve response efforts, emphasizing vaccination as the best protection, with increased vaccine uptake observed statewide.
• Other states like New York and Utah are also experiencing significant outbreaks; New York declared a disaster emergency with over 160 cases, while Utah has reported more than 700 cases this year but no new diagnoses in the past three weeks.