Pennsylvania measles outbreak in Lancaster County
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has reached 1,467 cases and six deaths, with Lancaster County at its center. The national total has reached 5,182 cases.
IllustrationThe story so far
In late October, Pennsylvania had recorded more than 1,350 measles cases in 2026, with more than a third in Lancaster County. The state had five measles-associated deaths, and community leaders said many cases went uncounted. The outbreak was described as the nation's worst in 35 years, while some Amish and conservative Mennonite communities showed new openness to vaccines.
By November 2, the state health department reported 1,398 cases. Since August 1, officials said 150,000 MMR doses had been given, including more than 50,000 in October. Governor Josh Shapiro mounted pop-up clinics and mailings. A study found that less than a third of Amish residents had been immunized against measles, mumps and rubella.
On November 5, Pennsylvania confirmed a sixth measles-related death as cumulative cases reached 1,467. The next day, the CDC reported 5,182 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026, more than double the 2025 total and the highest since 1991. At least eight deaths had been reported, including among very young children. Experts cited declining vaccination rates and public distrust, while Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced criticism.
Latest updates
4 updates · newest first- 6 NovNew development
US measles cases exceed 5,000 in 2026, highest in 35 years
The CDC reported 5,182 confirmed measles cases in the US in 2026, more than double the 2025 total and the highest number since 1991. At least eight deaths have been reported, including among very young children. Experts cite declining vaccination rates and public distrust as key drivers, with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. facing criticism for his stance on the disease.
Euronews ↗
- 5 NovNew development
CMS finalizes 2027 Medicare fees, Pennsylvania confirms measles death
CMS finalized its 2027 Physician Fee Schedule, aiming to strengthen primary care, expand preventive services, reduce duplicate billing and cut waste in Medicare. Pennsylvania confirmed a sixth measles related death as cumulative cases reached 1,467. More than 20,000 NHS patients in the UK will trial blood tests to detect early stage cancers.
MedPage Today ↗
- 2 NovNew development
Amish under spotlight amid Pennsylvania measles outbreak
Pennsylvania's measles outbreak has put Lancaster county's Amish communities under the spotlight, with the state health department reporting 1,398 cases. Since 1 August, 150,000 MMR doses have been given, including more than 50,000 in October, as Governor Josh Shapiro mounts pop-up clinics and mailings. A study found less than a third of Amish residents had been immunized against measles, mumps and rubella.
The Guardian ↗
- 31 OctNew development
Pennsylvania measles outbreak hits Amish country as more show openness to vaccines
Pennsylvania has recorded more than 1,350 measles cases this year, with more than a third in Lancaster County, the epicenter of the nation's worst measles outbreak in 35 years. The state has recorded five measles-associated deaths, and community leaders say many cases go uncounted. Many in the Amish and conservative Mennonite communities are showing new openness to vaccines.