PA measles outbreak tops 1,000 cases, largest since disease was eliminated
Summary
Pennsylvania is experiencing the largest measles outbreak in the U.S. since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with over 1,000 cases reported in 2026. The outbreak has led to hospitalizations and deaths, mostly affecting unvaccinated individuals, and similar outbreaks are appearing in other states like New York.Key Facts
- Pennsylvania has reported 1,078 measles cases in 2026, with 1,066 cases occurring since April.
- There have been 207 hospitalizations and five deaths in Pennsylvania, all unvaccinated; two infants who died were too young for vaccination.
- Previous large outbreaks include Texas in 2025 with 762 cases and South Carolina in 2026 with 997 cases.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning no continuous spread for 12 months due to vaccination.
- The U.S. may lose its measles elimination status this year, as experts at the Pan American Health Organization plan to review the data.
- New York declared a State Disaster Emergency to expand who can give vaccinations and order measles tests after reporting at least 108 cases.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 3,887 measles cases nationwide in 2026, the highest since 1991.
- Measles cases are appearing outside the usual season, raising concerns that the virus could spread even more.
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