4,588 Confirmed Cases in 47 States and the Count Keeps Rising
The United States measles outbreak has accelerated sharply. As of October 22, 2026, the CDC has confirmed 4,588 measles cases this year across 47 states, more than double the 2,289 cases reported for all of 2025. That 2025 total was itself the worst year in over three decades. Since the beginning of 2025, there have been 6,877 confirmed cases nationally. At IDWeek, a leading infectious disease conference held this month in Washington D.C., pediatric infectious disease epidemiologist Dr. Andrew Pavia of the University of Utah said that due to significant underreporting, the actual number of U.S. cases since the start of 2025 is likely greater than 20,000.
96% of confirmed 2026 cases have been in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. There have been 479 hospitalizations. The CDC has confirmed 3 measles-related deaths in 2026; Pennsylvania alone has reported 5, with a sixth under investigation.
Where cases are concentrated
Pennsylvania accounts for nearly 30% of the national total with more than 1,330 cases across 44 counties and 251 hospitalizations. The CDC has deployed additional support to the state. Other states with significant ongoing activity include Wisconsin (310 cases), Ohio (262), Kentucky (197), and New York (162). Cases have now been reported in 47 states. Only 26 of the 4,588 cases involve international visitors, meaning this is overwhelmingly domestic transmission.
Who is getting sick
- 17% of cases are in children under 5 years old; 16% of that group has required hospitalization
- 42% are in children and adolescents aged 5 to 19
- 41% are in adults aged 20 and older
Adults are not immune to this outbreak. If you were born after 1957 and have not had two documented MMR doses or a confirmed history of measles disease, you may be at risk.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Watch for:
- High fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes
- A red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading downward
If you develop these symptoms, call your doctor before going in so they can prepare and prevent exposing others in the waiting room.
How to protect yourself and your family
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles
- All persons born in 1957 or later without a history of measles or two documented MMR doses should complete a lifetime total of two doses, spaced at least 28 days apart
- Infants aged 6 to 11 months should receive one MMR dose before any domestic or international travel given current outbreak activity
- If you are unsure of your vaccination status, do not wait. Come see us or schedule a pre-travel consultation and we will review your records and get you protected
Questions or concerns?
Contact us at TravelBug Health. MMR vaccination for travelers and families is one of our specialties. Schedule an appointment and we will make sure you and your family are protected before your next trip.
Resources:
- CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks 2026
- CDC Measles Vaccination Information
- Johns Hopkins U.S. Measles Tracker
