September 3, 2026

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The Ongoing Measles Epidemic and Reporting of Measles-Associated Deaths

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Doctors for America is deeply concerned about the continued spread of measles across the United States and the disruption of public health procedures surrounding two measles-associated deaths reported by the PA Department of Health on August 25, 2026. The ongoing measles epidemic is now in its second year, resulting in over 5,000 cases since January 2025, including 2,903 confirmed cases so far in 2026. Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced two measles-associated deaths – the first in the state in 35 years – bringing the total to 5 associated deaths in the past two years. Measles is a vaccine-preventable illness; every hospitalization and death is a tragedy. Families and communities continue to be exposed to unnecessary and potentially lethal risk as a result of these wholly preventable measles outbreaks. Our thoughts are with the families and communities that have been impacted by the outbreaks. 

Pennsylvania is in the midst of the country’s largest measles outbreak, with 540 cases, 91 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths as of September 2, 2026. To date, the CDC still has not counted those deaths in its national statistics, despite Pennsylvania health officials confirming that the fatalities are associated with measles based on the CDC’s case definition. Although the CDC has not revised the official case definition of measles-associated deaths, nor has it provided any indication that the Pennsylvania health department’s investigation was flawed, the CDC has stated it will delay reporting until it can apply an ad-hoc standard, requiring a full determination of the primary cause of both deaths. This is a departure from standard procedures in public health and raises considerable concerns that politics - not science - are driving this decision. National outbreak reporting relies on a trusted partnership where state health departments investigate local cases, and the federal government compiles data. As front-line clinicians, we rely on dependable, actionable clinical and epidemiologic information. This disruption of public health procedure only creates confusion, erodes public trust, and undermines the critical partnership between states and federal health agencies. 

The facts remain that measles is a vaccine-preventable illness and the MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing measles infection, with 93% protected with one dose and over 97% with the full series of two doses. Measles is among the most contagious infectious diseases and because of its extraordinary infectivity, measles infections are a sentinel warning condition indicating public health system failure. As misinformation continues to lead to a decline in vaccination rates, explosions in other vaccine-preventable infections are likely to follow. Policies and guidance not backed by evidence-based science threaten the health and safety of all Americans. The mistrust created by unnecessary disruptions of standard public health processes and provocative public communication can only worsen this trend.

Doctors for America calls on our nation’s health leaders to:

• Provide clear, consistent, evidence-based information about measles and vaccination.
• Ensure ready access to MMR vaccines for every family in every community.
• Support the clinicians and public-health professionals responding to outbreaks.
• Maintain the scientific independence and reliability of federal public-health reporting.
• Correct misinformation quickly and ensure accountability of all health leaders.

The return of widespread measles transmission is not inevitable. We have a vaccine that provides excellent protection, clinicians and public-health professionals who know how to respond, and decades of evidence demonstrating what works. What families need now is accurate information, access to vaccination, and professional public-health leadership grounded in evidence.

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About Doctors for America:

Doctors for America (DFA) is a national nonprofit that mobilizes over 40,000 physicians and medical trainees to advocate for policies that improve the health of patients and communities. Through advocacy training and action at the state and federal levels, DFA works to expand access to affordable care, strengthen community health and prevention, and advance health justice and equity. We do not accept funding from pharmaceutical, insurance, or for-profit health care entities, ensuring our work remains fiercely independent and patient-centered. DFA puts patients over politics–and over profits. Find out more at doctorsforamerica.org and on X @drsforamerica or Bluesky drsforamerica.bsky.social.

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