CDC measles count trails states as U.S. tally nears 4,000
The CDC lists 3,887 U.S. measles cases this year, the most since 1991, but Johns Hopkins University's own count has passed 4,000. The CDC site shows two measles deaths, though Pennsylvania alone has reported five. Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah have each logged more than 500 cases.
The United States has recorded 3,887 measles cases so far in 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That makes this the worst year since 1991. But the federal count trails other tallies. Johns Hopkins University, which tracks cases on its own, says infections have passed 4,000, USA Today reported Tuesday.
Deaths show a wider gap. The CDC website lists two measles-related deaths this year. Pennsylvania alone reported its fifth measles-linked death, in Lancaster County, on Sept. 30, USA Today noted.
Pennsylvania has confirmed 1,004 cases across 39 counties. South Carolina and Utah have also each topped 500. The CDC counts 42 outbreaks this year, meaning three or more linked cases in one area. Those outbreaks account for about 95% of all cases.
New York has now declared a statewide measles disaster emergency, the first by any state since cases began surging in 2025. Gov. Kathy Hochul's order, signed Monday, counts 108 cases this year through Saturday, 92 of them since July 15, across 18 counties, Reuters reported in a story carried by NBC News. Seven cases are in New York City. Local health departments have given more than 1,000 measles shots in rural areas since mid-July.
The order lets registered nurses order measles tests and lets pharmacists vaccinate children as young as 2. It runs through Nov. 4. Vaccination still requires consent from the patient or a guardian.
Why it spreads so fast: the CDC says nine in 10 unvaccinated people exposed to measles will catch it. Community protection needs about 95% of people vaccinated. But 17 states had measles shot rates below 90% in the 2025-26 school year, USA Today reported. "The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is the best protection," said Dr. James McDonald, New York's health commissioner.
The backstory: Health officials say outbreaks are more common in communities with lower vaccination rates, where the virus spreads easily once it arrives. As long as measles exists somewhere in the world, a traveler can bring it back to people who are not protected.
The CDC posts its national count once a week. State health department websites list local counts and vaccine clinics.
What we know: Federal data show 3,887 cases and 42 outbreaks, the most cases since 1991.
What we don't: How far the federal count trails the real total, and when it will reflect all reported deaths.
Where outlets agree USA Today and Reuters, in a story carried by NBC News, both report the U.S. is having its worst measles year since 1991, with close to 3,900 cases on the CDC's count.
Where they differ The CDC lists 3,887 cases and two deaths, while Johns Hopkins counts more than 4,000 cases and Pennsylvania alone reports five deaths.