The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its national measles death count to two on Tuesday, according to The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Hill and Reuters. The CDC's database did not specify which states the deaths occurred in, according to The Guardian and The Hill.
The update comes amid a nationwide measles outbreak affecting 47 states, with the CDC confirming 3,659 cases as of September 24, according to The Guardian. Al Jazeera English reported the outbreak has produced the highest case numbers in 35 years.
Pennsylvania has reported more than 900 measles cases and four measles-associated deaths, a toll higher than the CDC's national count of two, according to The Guardian, The Hill and Al Jazeera English. The Hill reported that Pennsylvania's governor and health secretary have differed with federal officials, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over the data.
The discrepancy between Pennsylvania's reported death toll and the CDC's national figure highlights ongoing disagreement over how measles-related deaths are being counted and reported across jurisdictions.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Guardian reported the CDC's confirmation did not specify which states the deaths occurred in.
- The Guardian and Al Jazeera English reported Pennsylvania has over 900 cases and four deaths, exceeding the CDC's national count.
- Al Jazeera English highlighted the outbreak as the highest measles case count in 35 years.
- The Hill (cited by The Guardian) noted disagreement between Pennsylvania officials and RFK Jr. over data.
“CDC reports second measles death in US while excluding Pennsylvania deaths” — The Guardian
Center
- The Hill reported the CDC updated its tally late Monday to include an additional death, raising the total to two.
- The Hill noted the CDC's national count remains below Pennsylvania's official report of four deaths.
- Reuters confirmed the CDC reported two measles-related deaths in 2026.
“CDC updates measles count, now includes two deaths” — The Hill
Questions readers ask
What happened with the CDC's measles death count?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its national measles death tally on Tuesday to include a second death, according to The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Hill and Reuters. The CDC's database did not specify which states the deaths occurred in.
Why does Pennsylvania's measles death count differ from the CDC's?
Pennsylvania has reported four measles-associated deaths, higher than the CDC's national count of two, according to The Guardian, The Hill and Al Jazeera English. The Hill reported that Pennsylvania's governor and health secretary have disputed data with federal officials, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
How widespread is the current measles outbreak?
The outbreak affects 47 states, with the CDC confirming 3,659 cases as of September 24, according to The Guardian. Al Jazeera English reported this represents the highest measles case numbers in 35 years.
What did left- and center-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets, including The Guardian and Al Jazeera English, emphasized the discrepancy between Pennsylvania's death toll and the CDC's national count, along with the scale of the nationwide outbreak. Center outlets, including The Hill and Reuters, focused on the CDC's updated national tally and the gap with Pennsylvania's reported figures.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- Al Jazeera EnglishLeft-leaningCDC reports two measles deaths in US as cases hit 35-year high
- The GuardianLeft-leaningCDC reports second measles death in US while excluding Pennsylvania deaths
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningCDC updates measles toll, now counts 2 deaths
- ReutersCenterUS CDC confirms two measles-related deaths in 2026
- The HillCenterCDC updates measles count, now includes 2 deaths