Brief
CDC confirms two measles deaths as U.S. cases reach 35‑year high
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed two deaths linked to measles, the highest case count in 35 years, as the country grapples with vaccine scepticism and policy disputes.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed two deaths related to measles on Tuesday, bringing the total number of deaths to a figure that may rise as investigations continue. The announcement came as the agency reported 3,659 confirmed measles cases for the year, the highest number in 35 years.
While the CDC did not specify the states where the deaths occurred, Pennsylvania has been the hardest hit, with more than 900 reported cases. Earlier this year, the state reported four measles‑related deaths, a figure that the CDC had not yet included in its national tally. The discrepancy sparked a public feud between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has maintained that only one of the deaths was caused by measles.
The outbreak follows a controversial executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in August 2025, which aimed to split the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate shots and space out childhood appointments. Public health experts warned that the order could increase infection risks by requiring return visits.
In a move that has drawn intense pushback, the CDC shifted to using mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) for its national measles death count, moving away from rapid real‑time reporting from state health departments. The agency said it is working with state epidemiologists to develop a standard definition of measles‑related deaths to ensure consistent reporting across jurisdictions, adding that the number of deaths is subject to change as additional information becomes available and reviews are completed.
The agency’s challenges are compounded by staffing and budgetary turmoil, having lost nearly 30 percent of its workforce due to federal employee layoffs following Trump’s January 2025 inauguration and a wave of voluntary retirements and resignations.
Key facts
- CDC confirmed two measles deaths (aljazeera.com)
- 3,659 measles cases reported in 2026 (aljazeera.com)
- Pennsylvania has over 900 cases (aljazeera.com)
- CDC shifted to NCHS mortality data for death counts (aljazeera.com)
- Trump’s 2025 executive order split MMR vaccine into three shots (aljazeera.com)
Background
The CDC has faced criticism for its handling of measles reporting and vaccine policy, with former officials and state leaders disputing the accuracy of death counts and the impact of vaccine scheduling changes.
Why it matters
The rise in measles cases and deaths highlights ongoing public health challenges and the impact of vaccine policy debates on disease control.
What happens next
The CDC is collaborating with state epidemiologists to standardise measles death definitions and may revise death counts as reviews conclude.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “CDC reports two measles deaths in US as cases hit 35-year high”
