CDC tallies 4,588 US measles cases as state data conflicts with federal records
Pennsylvania reports five deaths and 1,338 cases, exceeding national CDC figures and highlighting a growing divergence in surveillance data.
By Isabella Kaur ·
US health officials recorded 178 new measles cases in the past week, bringing the 2026 national total to 4,588. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the figures on Friday, noting that at least 43 active outbreaks are currently spreading across the country.
The 2026 count is more than double the total recorded in 2025. Pennsylvania remains the hardest-hit state, with 1,338 cases reported on the same day. South Carolina and Utah also report significant clusters, each accounting for more than 500 cases.
A discrepancy has emerged between federal and state death tolls. Pennsylvania authorities have confirmed five measles-associated deaths and are investigating a sixth. In contrast, the CDC has logged only three national deaths. The agency has not specified the location of the third death, leaving it unclear whether the federal count includes the state’s recent fatalities.
The divergence in data arrives as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. implements changes to US vaccine infrastructure. According to Reuters, Kennedy asked senior CDC officials in September to remove a specific measles death from the official tally after questioning the cause of death.
This week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced revisions to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS. The proposal will allow physicians to bill for reporting suspected vaccine injuries. The system, long monitored by researchers for safety signals, has also been cited by anti-vaccine advocates to argue against vaccine safety.
Kennedy has restructured the advisory board that evaluates vaccine risks and benefits. He replaced all 17 previously serving members with individuals aligned with his views, though a court blocked the appointment of these new members in March. The secretary has previously stated that children receive over 90 vaccine doses and suggested that vitamin A and cod liver oil may aid in treating measles.
The CDC continues to report cases as the season progresses. The vaccine is 97% effective at preventing the disease, which affects one in five unvaccinated patients severely enough to require hospitalization.
Source: The Guardian
