U.S. Measles Cases Soar Past 3,100 in 2026, Highest in Over 35 Years, with Second Infant Death in Pennsylvania

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the country's measles case count to 3,134 confirmed cases so far in 2026, marking the highest annual total in more than 35 years. This week saw 231 new infections, and officials in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, confirmed a second infant death caused by the highly contagious virus amidst a rapidly growing outbreak in the region. The CDC notes that 94% of cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.