ATLANTA, Georgia—(AVC News)–Despite being considered eradicated years ago, outbreaks of measles are again on the rise.
This years’ totals have, according to recent reports, have surpassed last years’ totals.
At last check, the CDC reports, currently the U.S. has a total of 2,903 confirmed measles cases, compared to the 2,289 total cases reported last year.
In Ohio, Wayne County has confirmed seven measles cases since the start of August and is investigating 27 more suspected infections. One person has been hospitalized. And on Wednesday, the Morgan Co. Health Dept has confirmed the first case of measles this year in their county, while Gallia County has also confirmed on case in their county as well. The latest from the Ohio Dept. of Health shows currently 13 confirmed cases of measles, primarily in Northeast Ohio. The ODH reports 107 cases total thus far in 2026.
Close to Ohio, the state of Pennsylvania has reported two deaths related to measles. These unvaccinated victims represent the first measles related deaths recorded in the Keystone State in 35 years. At last word, Pennsylvania is reporting 390 cases of measles.
However, the CDC has not included the deaths in their latest reports, saying they are “still working to determine what actually occurred.”
The Pennsylvania outbreak appears to have acquired a political aspect as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Gov. Josh Shapiro, clashed publicly over the outbreak, with Mr. Kennedy calling the governor’s press conference “gaslighting” and Mr. Shapiro accusing the secretary of spreading misinformation that has fueled the outbreak.
On August 10, President Trump issued an executive order issued a recommendation splitting the measles, mumps and rubella shot into three separate vaccines — a move the American Academy of Pediatrics called “not feasible or safe.”
Many pediatric health systems reportedly, have stated they plan no change to their current vaccine recommendations.
