CDC reports two measles deaths in US as cases hit 35-year high
The CDC reports that measles cases have reached a 35-year high in the US, with two confirmed deaths. The outbreak has sparked political tension regarding vaccine skepticism and the management of public health agencies under the current administration.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a previously eliminated disease highlights critical public health challenges and the impact of political rhetoric on national health policy.
US sees record-breaking measles surge amid controversy over anti-vaccine rhetoric and revised death tracking system.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Measles has made an aggressive comeback in recent years after the preventable disease was declared eliminated in the US in 2000. Some have linked the spike in cases to a rise in vaccine scepticism [File: Sebastian Rocandio/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 29 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed two measles-related deaths from the 3,659 confirmed cases this year, the highest number of cases in 35 years.
The CDC did not specify on Tuesday in which states the deaths occurred. However, Pennsylvania has been hardest hit by the outbreak with more than 900 reported cases.
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