U.S. Adds 330 New Measles Cases as Outbreaks Wreak Havoc on Unvaccinated Communities

The 330 cases represent a higher number in one week than the U.S. added in the entirety of 2024.

Oct. 19, 2026

Key Highlights

- Over 330 new measles cases reported in the U.S. in the past week, the highest since 2024.
- Pennsylvania reports six deaths, likely undercounted, with estimates suggesting over 6,000 infections.
- CDC is deploying a 'disease detective' to Pennsylvania to help control the outbreak.
- States like Kentucky, Ohio, and New York are experiencing significant outbreaks, with New York declaring a statewide health emergency.
- The true number of measles infections may be much higher than confirmed cases due to underreporting and high mortality rates.

Measles continues to rip through unvaccinated communities in the U.S., as 330 new cases were added in the past week. CIDRAP has the news.

HPN just recently reported on ongoing measles outbreaks, which show no sign of slowing. Notably, in the past seven days, the U.S. added more new measles cases to its total than it did in all of 2024. So far, Pennsylvania has recorded six deaths, which is likely a significant undercount. Some infectious disease specialists think there could be over 6,000 true measles infections in the state given the rate of death, compared to the 1,260 cases currently confirmed.

The CDC is sending an official (termed a “disease detective”) to Pennsylvania to help control measles outbreaks there. The agency only officially acknowledges two measles deaths this year.

Kentucky added 66 measles cases this week and has 170 for the year. Ohio added 33 cases to push their number up to 252. New York recently declared a statewide health emergency due to measles, and has 126 cases reported for the year.