The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented 5,182 verified measles infections in 2026, according to figures released as of November 5. The agency’s latest tally shows an increase of 330 cases (6.8%) compared to the 4,852 reported the prior week.
Health authorities across multiple states have also confirmed three measles-related fatalities within the last seven days. Of the 5,182 total cases, 5,164 were identified within 47 U.S. jurisdictions, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and others. The remaining 18 cases involved travelers visiting from abroad. Health officials have recorded 43 new outbreaks this year, with 96% of all confirmed cases (4,993 out of 5,182) linked to these clusters. Among outbreak-related infections, 3,608 stem from outbreaks that began in 2026, while 1,385 trace back to clusters that started in 2025.
Measles Cases in 2026 Exceed Previous Year’s Total
In the entirety of 2025, the CDC recorded 2,289 confirmed measles cases. By contrast, 2026 has already surpassed that number by 2.3 times, despite two months remaining in the calendar year. This represents the highest annual total since 1991.
Last year, 48 outbreaks were reported, with 90% of cases (2,066 out of 2,289) tied to these clusters. For perspective, 2024 saw 16 outbreaks, and 69% of cases (198 out of 285) were outbreak-related. The CDC had previously declared measles eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Fatal Measles Cases Reported in Three States
Between November 2 and November 5, 2026, health departments in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin each reported measles-associated deaths. None of these states had documented a measles fatality in over three decades prior to this year’s resurgence.
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In New York, officials announced a child’s death linked to an ongoing outbreak in the state’s rural northern region. The state has confirmed 178 measles cases in 2026, with 170 occurring outside New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul activated a state disaster emergency in October due to rising infection rates.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed its sixth measles-related death of 2026, involving an unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County who tested positive. A funeral home representative identified the victim as a 21-year-old woman who succumbed to complications following childbirth, though the state declined to provide additional details to protect privacy. Pennsylvania is currently battling the largest measles outbreak in the country.
On November 5, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reported an infant’s death—the state’s first measles-related fatality since 1990. The local coroner attributed the death directly to the virus, while officials withheld further information to respect the family’s privacy. Wisconsin has documented 431 cases across 13 counties this year, including nine hospitalizations, marking its worst outbreak in over three decades.
Public Health Response to Measles Surge
In response, the DHS now advises giving an early dose of the MMR vaccine to infants aged 6 to 11 months who face raised exposure risks. The vaccine provides 97% protection against measles when administered in two doses.