CDC confirms 4,588 cases as Pennsylvania reports five measles deaths
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added 178 new cases to its 2026 total, a figure that more than doubles last year's count while state and federal records on fatalities diverge.
By Kevin Sanders ·
The United States recorded 178 new measles cases this week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the total number of cases in 2026 reached 4,588 as of Friday. This figure is more than double the total recorded in 2025. The disease is currently active in at least 43 separate outbreaks across the country.
Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in reported infections, with 1,338 cases logged on the same day. South Carolina and Utah also report large outbreaks, with both states counting more than 500 cases each. Public health officials note that official tallies likely underestimate the true number of infections. Measles is highly contagious, and common symptoms like rash, fever, and cough often delay medical visits.
A discrepancy exists in the official count of deaths. The CDC reported three measles deaths nationwide but did not specify the location of the third case. In contrast, Pennsylvania authorities reported five measles-associated deaths and are investigating a sixth. This divergence has drawn criticism from experts regarding the agency's transparency.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reportedly asked senior CDC officials in September to remove one measles death from the official tally. He questioned whether the disease contributed to that specific death, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services announced changes to the vaccine injury reporting system. A new proposal will allow doctors to bill for reporting suspected vaccine injuries.
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS, is used by researchers to track rare safety issues. It has also become a focal point for anti-vaccine activism. Kennedy recently replaced all 17 members of the expert board that previously assessed vaccine risks and benefits. A court blocked the appointment of his new board members in March. During his tenure, the secretary has made various claims about vaccine contents and dosages that leading physicians have described as misleading.
Source: The Guardian
