CDC Confirms 1 Measles Death in 2026 as Pennsylvania Reports 4 Associated Fatalities
Updated
Updated · NBC News · Sep 23
CDC Confirms 1 Measles Death in 2026 as Pennsylvania Reports 4 Associated Fatalities
3 articles · Updated · NBC News · Sep 23
Summary
One measles death is now listed on the CDC’s 2026 outbreak page after the agency said federal vital-statistics data verified measles as the underlying cause.
The CDC did not identify the victim or location, leaving unresolved whether the death matches any of four measles-associated fatalities reported by Pennsylvania over the past month.
Pennsylvania said it still does not know which death the CDC counted; the state uses a broader standard that includes people who die within 30 days of symptoms and a positive test.
3,471 measles cases have been confirmed nationwide in 45 states and Washington, D.C., with more than 300 hospitalizations, while Pennsylvania’s outbreak has climbed to 835 cases and 164 hospitalizations.
The CDC said it is working with state epidemiologists on a standardized definition for measles deaths as nearly all diagnosed patients remain unvaccinated and two MMR doses provide about 97% protection.