As of October 15, 4,410 persons in the U.S. have been sickened with measles, as confirmed by the CDC. It is an 8% increase in the last seven days, with the U.S. on pace to double last year’s total of 2,289 cases. The increase is due, at least in part, to the reduced vaccination rate, with only 92.4% of kindergartners receiving the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, far enough below the 95% needed for population immunity to cause widespread outbreaks.
Although the CDC data lists two measles-associated deaths, based on National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)-verified data, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported five confirmed deaths associated with measles in the state, plus a sixth that is currently under review. Pennsylvania has been hit the hardest by the virus, with nearly 30% (1,260) of the confirmed cases occurring in the state.
Of the 2026 U.S. cases, 96% are reported as occurring in those who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, and 59% of those infected were under the age of 20. Although federal policies and messaging have caused a great deal of confusion, the HHS continues to recommend measles vaccinations due to the virus’ contagion and severity. As one of the most contagious diseases in existence, if one person is infected with measles, nine of 10 close contacts who aren’t vaccinated or otherwise immune will be infected.
In November, 2026, the Pan American Health Organization will hold its annual Regional Verification Commission meeting to review the regional situation regarding measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in the Americas, including the U.S. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but the current resurgence makes it highly likely that the country will lose this status.
As measles continues to spread, TAG continues to advise businesses to ensure their employees are aware of the increased risk, the contagion, symptoms, and potential seriousness of the disease, and to encourage vaccination for non-vaccinated adults and their children. Most private and government-funded health insurances cover the cost of these vaccines.
For more information on measles, see TAG’s Infectious Disease Fact Sheet on Measles.
COVID (September 28, 2026)
Influenza (September 28, 2026)
Public Health News
- Two new cases of New World screwworm infestation were confirmed on Oct 16, 2026, in southwestern New Mexico close to the border port of entry soon to be reopened to Mexican cattle. Investigation including enhanced fly trapping by state and federal officials will continue to determine what impact this might have on this expected border opening.
- More cases of Ebola in Kenya have been reported, in a relative of the first patient and three health workers who treated him. Quarantines are in place.
- A recent report described incidence of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a delayed, almost uniformly fatal complication of measles in children. SSP patients in the Philippines had suffered from measles at least 2-4 years prior to their current diagnosis. The report emphasizes the importance of avoiding measles infection through vaccination, quarantines, etc.
- Bangladesh is experiencing the largest active measles outbreak worldwide, driven by accumulated immunity gaps and disruptions to routine immunization linked to the ongoing political unrest. Since March 2026, more than 200,000 cases and 1000 deaths have occurred, mostly in young children.
