US measles cases top 5,000 for first time in 35 years
The gist
The CDC confirmed 5,182 US measles cases through Nov. 5, the most since 1991.
The country may lose its measles elimination status, held since 2000.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2026Pennsylvania health officials reported the state's first two measles deaths in 35 years, both in Lancaster County and both in unvaccinated people.
- Oct 2, 2026The CDC reported 3,887 measles cases nationwide, a 6.2% increase from the previous week.
- Oct 5, 2026Pennsylvania confirmed more than 1,000 measles cases, a level no other state had reached in 35 years.
Key terms
- CDC
- The national public health agency of the United States.
- herd immunity
- Indirect protection of a population when enough people are immune to a contagious disease, limiting its spread.
Source: Wikipedia