US CDC confirms six measles-related deaths in 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed six measles-related deaths in the US this year, according to the agency's website on Thursday, as the country grapples with its worst resurgence of the virus in decades.



The updated figure doubles the death toll recorded in 2025 and underscores the continuing spread of the highly contagious viral disease, which was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.



Measles cases in the US have climbed above 5,000 for the first time since 1991 and the Pan American Health Organization's expert commission is expected to decidein coming days whether the country should retain its measles-free status.



Pennsylvania has been the hardest-hit state in the outbreak. As of November 4, the state had confirmed six measles-associated deaths this year.



The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has reported an infant's death, while New York reported its first known measles-associated death in more than 30 years.