CDC reports more than 5,000 measles cases, highest number in 35 years

Summary

US measles infections surpassed 5,000 cases in 2026, marking the highest annual total since 1991. The surge has coincided with falling kindergarten vaccination rates and prompted a dispute between Pennsylvania officials and federal health leadership over how measles deaths are counted.

Key Takeaways

1. A total of 5,182 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States to date in 2026, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. The outbreak comes as vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners has decreased from 95.2 percent during the 2019-2020 school year to 92.4 percent in the 2025-2026 school year.
3. The federal count has been at the centre of a dispute between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr over how measles deaths are classified.

Statement Breakdown

• Claimed Facts: 75% of statements the article presents as facts
• Opinions: 25% of statements classified as editorial or subjective
• Claims: 0% of statements surfaced for additional reader evaluation

Credibility & Bias Reasoning

Credibility assessment: The reporting relies on public health data from the CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It documents an on-the-record dispute between federal and state officials regarding mortality classification criteria. It also references historical agency standards alongside commentary from epidemiologists.

Bias assessment: Public Health Focus. The reporting centers on institutional health statistics and established epidemiological practices. It notes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s stance on vaccine policy while highlighting disagreements between federal and state authorities over mortality classification.

Note: Relies on federal and state health data alongside statements from epidemiologists.

Credibility flag: Official Agency Data

Claimed Facts (3)

• States a historical statistical benchmark from public agency records.
• Reports official figures released by a state health authority.
• Describes recorded agency actions regarding the federal tally.

Opinions (2)

• Reflects an evaluative assessment by external experts on administrative changes.
• Represents an assessment and normative recommendation from health specialists.

Key Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — US national public health agency
• Pennsylvania’s Department of Health — State health department tracking local cases
• Al Jazeera Staff — Reporting outlet editorial staff
• Infectious disease experts — Medical professionals tracking disease trends