U.S. measles cases rise to 5,412, the worst outbreak since 1991

Measles cases in the United States rose to 5,412 as of November 12, up 230 from the previous update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Friday, in the country's worst outbreak of the virus in decades.

The CDC has confirmed six measles-associated deaths so far in 2026 and 591 hospitalizations. It is the first time since 1991 that cases have topped 5,000 in a single year.

Pennsylvania is the hardest-hit focus: its health department has reported six measles-related deaths, 1,505 cases as of November 9 and 290 hospitalizations, according to Reuters.

A panel of experts from the Pan American Health Organization is expected to decide in the coming days whether the United States keeps its measles-free status, a public health achievement reached more than 25 years ago. The status is lost when transmission of the virus continues for 12 consecutive months.

Follow-up to: U.S. measles cases reach 5,182 and U.S. could lose its measles-free status.

Photo: Reuters

Source: Reuters