Measles outbreak in the US: New York declares state of emergency with 108 cases; nearly 3,900 cases diagnosed since start of 2026, the worst year since 1991
The measles outbreak in the United States continues to worsen, with 3,887 confirmed cases since the start of 2026 – the most severe year since 1991. In Pennsylvania, the number of patients has surpassed 1,000 (1,004), with 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, including two infants, a teenager, and a 40-year-old woman. Over 99% of those infected in the state were unvaccinated; only four out of more than a thousand were vaccinated. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency following 108 cases, 92 of which have occurred since mid-July, primarily in rural areas with low vaccination rates. The order allows pharmacists to vaccinate children from age two and remains in effect until November 4. The current outbreak, which began in January 2025, threatens the United States' status as a country without endemic measles – a status achieved in 2000. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will review the status in November 2026. The article explains that measles is one of the most contagious diseases, with complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection.
The measles outbreak in the United States continues to intensify, with 3,887 confirmed cases since the start of 2026 – the most severe year since 1991. In Pennsylvania, the number of patients has crossed the 1,000 mark (1,004), with 198 hospitalizations and five deaths, including two infants, a teenager, and a 40-year-old woman. More than 99% of those infected in the state were unvaccinated; only four out of over a thousand were vaccinated. New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency following 108 cases, 92 of which have occurred since mid-July, primarily in rural areas with low vaccination rates. The order allows pharmacists to vaccinate children from age two and remains in effect until November 4. The current outbreak, which began in January 2025, threatens the United States' status as a country without endemic measles – a status achieved in 2000. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will review the status in November 2026. The article explains that measles is one of the most contagious diseases, with complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, and that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection.