NewsKPBS Public MediaOctober 25, 2026San Diego County
U.S. Measles Cases More Than Double Previous Year Amid Outbreak Spreads Across Multiple States
Photo: KPBS Public Media
U.S. measles cases have exceeded 4,580 since Oct. 22, more than double the total for all of 2025, driven by outbreaks in states including Pennsylvania, New York, Utah, and South Carolina. Public health officials report that 96% of those who contracted the disease were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, while urging residents to get fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The resurgence has led to over 250 hospitalizations and 5 deaths in Pennsylvania alone, prompting state health officials to coordinate response efforts with local healthcare providers and track an increased demand for vaccinations.
Key Facts
- More than 4,580 measles cases have been recorded across the U.S. since Oct. 22, more than double the total for all of 2025.
- Data from the CDC shows that 96% of individuals who contracted measles in 2026 were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
- Pennsylvania has confirmed at least 1,338 measles cases across 44 counties this year, with over 250 people hospitalized and 5 deaths reported.
- Local Amish communities with low vaccination rates in Lancaster and Mifflin counties are among the most impacted in Pennsylvania, with three of the deaths occurring in Lancaster County.
- Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen held a roundtable with Mifflin County healthcare providers to assess local needs.
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine are nearly 97% effective against measles, while one dose is about 93% effective, according to the CDC.
- More than 39,000 measles vaccines were administered in Pennsylvania during the first three weeks of October, exceeding the typical monthly average of 25,000.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency earlier this month following rising measles cases, with over 160 confirmed cases statewide.
- Utah has recorded over 700 measles diagnoses this year, though no new cases have been reported in the state in three weeks.
- South Carolina recorded at least 997 measles cases in 2026 before its outbreak ended in April.
Who's Mentioned
locationMifflin“Pennsylvania county impacted by the outbreak.”OrganizationSouth Carolina Department of Public Health“Provided data on measles cases in South Carolina.”PersonKathy Hochul“New York Governor who declared a disaster emergency after rising measles cases.”OrganizationUtah Department of Health and Human Services“Provided data on measles cases in Utah.”locationPennsylvania“State experiencing a major measles outbreak across multiple counties.”OrganizationNew York State Department of Health“Provided data on confirmed measles cases in New York.”locationLancaster“Pennsylvania county impacted by the outbreak.”locationNew York“State where a disaster emergency was declared due to measles.”locationSouth Carolina“State that dealt with a measles outbreak earlier in the year.”OrganizationU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“Provided national data on measles cases and vaccine efficacy.”PersonDr. Debra Bogen“Pennsylvania Secretary of Health who held a roundtable with Mifflin County healt”OrganizationPennsylvania Department of Health“Reported state-level measles cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccination me”locationUtah“State experiencing a high number of measles cases.”