Updated on: October 29, 2026 / 2:04 PM EDT / CBS News

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So far in 2026, the U.S. has recorded the most measles cases in more than three decades as outbreaks spread in multiple states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

By mid-July, the number had already surpassed all of 2025 , which had been the worst year in recent history with more than 2,200 confirmed cases. By October, the number of cases topped 4,500.

Ongoing outbreaks have put the U.S. at risk of losing its official measles elimination status, which it has held since 2000.

In August, health officials in Pennsylvania reported the state's first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years, both in Lancaster County. Both of the individuals were not vaccinated against the virus, state health officials said. Several more deaths associated with measles were later reported as the state's outbreak surged.

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases.…