US measles cases more than double in 2026 amid rising outbreaks

measles outbreak vaccination rates CDC surveillance congenital measles public health

Measles cases in the United States have more than doubled in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with national totals reaching 3,063 cases as of mid-September. South Carolina and Pennsylvania are the most heavily impacted states, accounting for approximately 44% of all indigenous cases reported nationwide.

In Pennsylvania, health officials have reported four measles-associated deaths, though discrepancies in statistical reporting and case definitions have led to differences between state and CDC data. Medical experts have noted the emergence of rare complications, such as congenital measles, which occurs when a mother passes the virus to her baby during pregnancy or birth. One such case in Lancaster County resulted in a stillborn baby.

The surge in infections is being linked by experts to declining vaccination rates. In Canada, Peel Region is reviewing the vaccination records of approximately 27,500 students to restore immunization levels. In the U.S., the outbreak has also been traced to exposures at Philadelphia International Airport and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Entities

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention · Dr. John Goldman · Peel Region · Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania Department of Health · South Carolina · University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] US measles cases in 2026 have reached 3,063, a 123% increase compared to the 1,374 cases reported through the same week in 2025. globalbiodefense.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] South Carolina has reported 686 cumulative measles cases in 2026. globalbiodefense.com
[● 2 SOURCES] A stillborn baby in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, died from a ruptured spleen in a case classified as a measles-associated death. offthepress.com · nypost.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Medical professionals are seeing new forms of measles, such as congenital measles, due to declining vaccination rates and lack of natural immunity in young adults. offthepress.com · nypost.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Utah has reported 531 cumulative measles cases in 2026. globalbiodefense.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Four measles deaths reported in Pennsylvania are not currently reflected in the national CDC measles dashboard due to statistical reporting and definition discrepancies. thecrystaleyes.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Pennsylvania has reported 649 cumulative measles cases in 2026. globalbiodefense.com