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US measles deaths reach six as cases top 5,400 in largest outbreak since 1991
The CDC has reported six measles-related deaths in the US this year, as the country faces its largest outbreak since 1991, with more than 5,400 cases. The resurgence matters because measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, and the country could lose that status this week.
The CDC’s total is twice the number of deaths recorded in 2025, but the agency has not said which states account for its six deaths. State officials have reported fatalities in Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin; the difference between state and federal figures follows a CDC change in how it tracks deaths. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection.
In short
- Six measles deaths reported by the CDC this year.
- US cases have topped 5,400 in the largest outbreak since 1991.
- The country could lose its measles elimination status.
Explained simply
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death. The US declared it eliminated in 2000, meaning there was no continuous spread within the country, although cases could still arrive from abroad.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks cases and deaths nationally, while state health officials report figures for their own areas. Their totals can differ because the CDC changed how it records measles deaths. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is given in two doses; together they provide about 97% protection against measles.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “CDC reports six measles deaths in 2026 as US battles worst outbreak in 35 years”.