# Global measles case increases

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-measles-case-increases
> Updated: 2026-10-25T12:29:37.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

Measles cases are rising globally, driven by declining vaccination rates and disruptions to immunization programs. A study by University of Queensland researchers indicates that global cases increased from 11.1 million in 2019 to 15.6 million in 2023, a 40 percent rise attributed to health system funding issues and pandemic-related disruptions.

In Turkey, the situation has escalated, with 1,103 cases reported during the first nine months of 2024. Medical experts, including Dr. Gökhan Erdoğan and Professor Esin Davutoğlu Şenol, have raised alarms regarding misinformation on social media and gaps in health management. Professor Şenol suggested that actual vaccine refusal rates might be higher than official data indicates due to a lack of strategic protection plans. This follows a trend where approximately 100,000 families opted out of vaccinations, dropping coverage to roughly 92 percent.

In the United States, the situation has escalated significantly. As of October 22, 2026, the CDC reported 4,588 confirmed cases, approximately double the total reported in 2025. Pennsylvania is the epicenter of a major outbreak with 1,317 cases across 43 counties and five confirmed deaths, with a sixth under review. Nationally, 479 hospitalizations have been recorded. Health officials continue to warn pregnant patients of risks including miscarriage and low birthweight, issuing exposure alerts for facilities such as WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital and Penn State Health locations. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state disaster emergency to manage rising cases. Approximately 96 percent of confirmed cases nationwide are outbreak-associated, primarily occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.

## Claims

- The US federal death tally for measles in 2026 has reached three. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Pennsylvania has confirmed five measles-associated deaths. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Fewer than 1% of Pennsylvania measles cases occurred in vaccinated individuals. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The CDC reported 4,588 confirmed measles cases in the US as of October 22, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Pennsylvania has recorded 1,317 measles cases across 43 counties. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency in response to rising measles cases. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Pennsylvania has recorded 251 measles-related hospitalizations this year. (single source)
- 96% of confirmed US measles cases are outbreak-associated. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Measles cases in Turkey rise to over 1,000

Measles cases in Turkey have exceeded 1,100 in the first nine months of 2024, prompting warnings from medical experts about rising vaccine hesitancy and health management gaps.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/measles-cases-in-turkey-rise-to-over-1000

### 2026-10-22: United States faces major measles resurgence with rising deaths

The US is facing a major measles resurgence with 4,588 confirmed cases in 2026. Pennsylvania is the hardest-hit state, reporting over 1,300 cases and five deaths amid rising vaccine skepticism.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-measles-cases-rise-amid-declining-vaccination-rates

### 2026-10-20: Turkey faces measles surge due to rising vaccine refusal

Measles cases in Turkey are surging due to rising vaccine refusal and social media propaganda, with experts warning of potential epidemics as vaccination rates fall below the necessary 95 percent threshold.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-reports-surge-in-measles-cases-due-to-declining-vaccination-rates

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Cite as: Global measles case increases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-measles-case-increases