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U.S. Measles Cases Surpass 5,000 in 2026, Threatening Elimination Status Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

U.S. Measles Cases Surpass 5,000 in 2026, Threatening Elimination Status Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

The United States is facing a significant resurgence of measles, with over 5,000 confirmed cases reported nationwide in 2026, marking the highest number since 1991. This increase has led to outbreaks across 47 jurisdictions, prompting public health officials to confront renewed transmission of a disease previously eliminated in 2000. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is currently reviewing the U.S.'s measles elimination status, assessing whether sustained domestic transmission has returned. A key factor contributing to this resurgence is the decline in childhood vaccination coverage. The CDC's 2025-2026 school vaccination data indicates that only 92.4% of kindergarten students received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, falling below the approximately 95% coverage generally required for community protection. Approximately 280,000 kindergarten students attended school without complete MMR vaccination documentation, and exemptions for required immunizations rose to 4.2% from 3.6% the pr...
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Pennsylvania, Wisconsin report measles-linked deaths as cases rise

Pennsylvania, Wisconsin report measles-linked deaths as cases rise

By Kunal Das and Kamal Choudhury Nov 13 (Reuters) - Health officials in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin reported a measles-associated death each on Friday as the worst outbreak in decades spreads across the US.
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US had eliminated measles. RFK Jr. helped bring it back | Opinion

US had eliminated measles. RFK Jr. helped bring it back | Opinion

Thanks to anti-vaccine non-scientists like Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., vaccinations are down and measles cases are up.
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Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Seventh Measles-Associated Death Amid Outbreak

Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Seventh Measles-Associated Death Amid Outbreak

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the seventh measles-associated death in the state, involving an unvaccinated resident of Montour County. This death contributes to a total of 1,542 confirmed measles cases across 46 counties in Pennsylvania as of 2026. The DOH is actively responding to the ongoing measles outbreak, with approximately 300 staff members working to provide information and access to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Since the outbreak began in late April, DOH nurses have administered over 11,300 MMR vaccine doses through pop-up clinics and state health centers. Additionally, healthcare providers statewide have seen a significant increase in MMR vaccinations, administering over 56,000 doses in September and 61,000 in October, compared to a typical monthly average of 25,000 doses. The DOH continues to collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to review cases and coordinate response efforts.
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Florida Reports Over 500 Dengue Cases This Year, Marking Largest Outbreak in 15 Years

Florida Reports Over 500 Dengue Cases This Year, Marking Largest Outbreak in 15 Years

Florida is currently experiencing its largest dengue outbreak in over 15 years, with more than 500 locally acquired cases reported this year. As of October 31, the state also recorded 382 international travel-associated cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that dengue fever is caused by any of four dengue viruses, transmitted by infected mosquitoes, and not spread person-to-person. While about three-quarters of infected individuals remain asymptomatic, symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after a mosquito bite and can include high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and muscle pain. Severe dengue, which can be life-threatening, affects about 1 in 20 infected people. Florida's climate and environment provide ideal conditions for the Aedes species mosquitoes that transmit the virus.
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New Jersey Department of Health Alerts Residents to Measles Exposure Risk from Non-Resident Visitor

New Jersey Department of Health Alerts Residents to Measles Exposure Risk from Non-Resident Visitor

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued an alert regarding potential measles exposures in several locations across New Jersey. This alert follows the identification of a measles case in a non-New Jersey resident who visited multiple sites while infectious. The NJDOH is urging individuals, particularly parents, guardians, healthcare providers, and caregivers, to be vigilant about measles symptoms and to ensure their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downwards. The NJDOH has specified several locations and timeframes where exposure may have occurred, including LegionsCon at Hanover Marriott, Sonesta Simply Suites Parsippany...
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US loses measles-free status after continued spread of the disease, WSJ reports

US loses measles-free status after continued spread of the disease, WSJ reports

Nov 13 (Reuters) - The Pan American Health Organization has revoked the United States' measles-elimination status after 26 years, because the country did not halt continuous transmission of the highly contagious virus for more than a year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.
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The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

The US and Mexico are on the verge of forfeiting a major health victory. Here's what to know

International health experts are meeting to assess whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost their measles elimination status
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US CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026

US CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026

Nov 12 (Reuters) - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed six measles-related deaths in the US this year, according to the agency's website on Thursday, as the country grapples with its worst resurgence of the virus in decades.
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Pennsylvania reports seventh measles-linked death as cases rise

Pennsylvania reports seventh measles-linked death as cases rise

Nov 13 (Reuters) - Pennsylvania health officials on Friday reported the state's seventh measles-associated death this year as the worst outbreak in decades spreads across the US.
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Huge crowds and low vaccination rates raise measles alarms as Pope Leo XIV visits South America

Huge crowds and low vaccination rates raise measles alarms as Pope Leo XIV visits South America

While millions of Catholics gather to catch a glimpse of Pope Leo XIV in South America, health authorities are watching for a different kind of visitor: measles
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Washington State Records First Bird Flu Fatality Amid Dairy Outbreak

Washington State Records First Bird Flu Fatality Amid Dairy Outbreak

A resident of Washington state has died from avian influenza after exposure to infected dairy cattle in Yakima County, marking the state's first bird flu fatality this year. The individual had underlying medical conditions. Health officials also confirmed that two other people contracted bird flu from a dairy farm in Yakima County this year, though neither required hospitalization. The Washington State Department of Health noted that this year is the first time avian influenza has spread through dairy herds. The infection pathway is believed to stem from wild bird migration, where infected wild birds or their contaminated surroundings can transmit the virus to cattle. In addition to dairy herds, bird flu cases have been confirmed at a commercial poultry facility in Pierce County and in small, backyard bird flocks across Kittitas County. Despite the spread among livestock and birds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that human-to-human transmission is extremely rare and has never ...