3 states battling new measles outbreaks. What to know
Measles outbreaks are spreading across Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia, with 2026 case counts already exceeding the previous year's total. Pennsylvania has reported the nation's first measles-associated deaths of the year, though officials are debating the direct cause of these fatalities.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease highlights significant public health challenges and ongoing debates regarding vaccination and mortality reporting.
Hear this story Measles outbreaks continue to expand across parts of the United States as health officials respond to growing clusters in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia.
The outbreaks come during the nation's worst measles year in more than three decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 2,700 cases have been reported nationwide in 2026, already surpassing last year's total. Nearly all U.S. cases this year have been linked to outbreaks, highlighting the continued spread of the highly contagious virus. The agency also notes that its national case totals are updated weekly and may lag behind state reporting. The CDC's website said a data update on cases scheduled for Aug. 28 was delayed.
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