Amid declining childhood vaccination rates and an anti-vaccine push from the government, the US is reporting a significant uptick in measles cases in three more states.The states include Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia. Pennsylvania has also reported two deaths, including an Amish newborn, marking 2026’s first measles-related deaths in the country.PennsylvaniaThe state reported 460 confirmed cases as of late August 2026, with Lancaster County serving as the epicenter, with 210 cases.Two unvaccinated individuals, including a newborn infant, died, marking the first measles-associated deaths in the state in 35 years.WisconsinWisconsin is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in decades. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported a significant increase in measles cases associated with the outbreak in Grant, Iowa and Lafayette counties, rising from 42 reported on Tuesday to 92 reported on Friday.GeorgiaHealth officials are managing a cluster tied to a metro Atlanta daycare. The Georgia Department of Public Health confirmed four new measles cases in late August 2026, bringing the state’s total number of cases to 14 for the year.Also read: Measles: Infant Among Two Unvaccinated Deaths Reported In US Measles Cases Surging In The USAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,903 confirmed cases had been reported nationwide as of August 27, threatening the US measles-elimination status held since 2000.About 94% of cases are among unvaccinated people, and children under 5 account for 19% of cases.This is the highest number of cases reported since the major resurgence between 1989 and 1991, when 55,000 infections and 123 deaths were recorded.In comparison, for the full year 2025, the country reported 2,289 cases and three deaths.While two doses of the MMR vaccine are key to preventing measles, the highly contagious virus, the first MMR dose is recommended at 12 to 15 months, followed by a second dose at 4 to 6 years.The anti-vaccine stance promoted by the Trump-led US government and HHS Secretary RFK Jr. comes as cases are spiraling. More recently, Trump also announced a split of the MMR vaccine.What Is the First Sign of Measles Infection? Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness that can be particularly dangerous for babies and young children. The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated.The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from this dangerous disease.Measles is more than just a simple rash and can lead to severe health problems and, in some cases, death.The first signs of measles often mimic a common cold. These initial symptoms include a high fever that can reach over 104°F, a persistent cough, a runny nose, and red, watery eyes.These symptoms can be misleading, but their combination is a key indicator of the onset of measles.A distinctive sign of measles is the appearance of tiny white spots, called Koplik spots, inside the mouth. These spots typically develop two to three days after the initial symptoms begin.Their presence is an important diagnostic clue, often appearing before the characteristic measles rash.What Does a Measles Rash Look Like?A rash appears three to five days after the initial symptoms. It usually starts as flat red spots on the face, near the hairline, and then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.The spots can sometimes be slightly raised and may merge. When the rash appears, the fever may also increase significantly.Who Is Most at Risk?While measles can be serious for anyone, certain groups are at a higher risk of developing complications. These include:Children younger than 5 years oldAdults older than 20 years oldPregnant womenPeople with weakened immune systems due to conditions like leukemia or HIV