DR HAROLD MANDEL DAILY ROUNDS

Daily Rounds - November 10, 2026: Measles Tops 5,182 Cases Highest Since 1991 as Early Flu Hits 8,396 Hospitalizations and Ebola Tops 10,910
By Dr. Harold Mandel | November 10, 2026 | DrHaroldMandel.org / MandelNews.com

CDC reported three major updates November 6: measles rose to 5,182 confirmed cases nationwide as of November 5, up 330 cases in one week, the highest annual total since 1991 and more than double the 2,289 total from all of 2025. Flu hospitalizations rose to 8,396 lab-confirmed admissions in the week ending October 31, up 38% from 6,100 the prior week. Ebola in Democratic Republic of Congo topped 10,910 confirmed cases as of November 6.

What Causes It

• Measles is caused by measles virus, one of the most contagious viruses known, able to live in airspace up to two hours after an infected person leaves. It was eliminated from the US in 2000 but has returned. CDC reports 5,182 cases include 5,164 by 47 jurisdictions plus 18 among international visitors.
• Flu is caused by influenza viruses. This season 99.2% of subtyped A viruses were A(H1N1), early surge highest since 2010-2011 for this calendar week.
• Ebola is caused by Bundibugyo virus in this outbreak, the 17th outbreak in DRC and second-largest on record. Spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids, not airborne.

How It Spreads

• Measles: Airborne when infected person coughs or sneezes. Up to 9 of 10 unvaccinated close contacts become infected. CDC reports 96% of cases are outbreak-associated across 43 outbreaks in 45 states plus DC. Only five states with no cases: Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire.
• Flu: Respiratory droplets, close contact within 6 feet, contaminated surfaces. Clinical labs reported 9.1% of respiratory specimens positive for flu week ending Oct 31, up from prior weeks. Flu accounted for 1.7% of emergency department visits, up 42% in one week. Growing in 44 states.
• Ebola: Direct contact with blood, vomit, diarrhea, other fluids, contaminated bedding, bodies of deceased. Incubation 2-21 days. CDC counts 10,741 cases and 5,230 deaths in DRC alone as of Nov 6, plus 2 cases in Kenya and Uganda.

Prevention

• MMR vaccine is best protection for measles: two doses about 97% effective, one dose about 93% effective. Less than 1% of Pennsylvania cases were vaccinated. Children: first dose 12-15 months, second 4-6 years. Adults with two documented doses generally protected for life. CDC table lists four deaths for 2026, though state reports indicate eight per ABC News reporting.
• Flu vaccine: Annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, ideally September or October. For 65+, high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted vaccine preferred. CDC estimates at least 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations, and 1,400 deaths from flu so far this season.
• Ebola travel rule: Since 11:59 p.m. EST Nov 3, all passengers boarding any international flight to US must sign attestation they have not been in DRC in past 21 days. Order through Dec 18 unless extended.

Current Recommendations - November 9, 2026

• National measles: 5,182 cases as of Nov 5 per CDC Nov 6 update, 562 hospitalizations (11%), up 6.8% in one week, 13th straight week of triple-digit increases. Next CDC update Nov 13. Pan American Health Organization to review US elimination status Nov 10.
• Pennsylvania: 1,467-1,433 cases as of early November, sixth death confirmed, 283 hospitalizations, 45 counties affected. Majority in unvaccinated children under 10.
• Flu: CDC forecasts 6,900 to 30,100 likely new lab-confirmed hospital admissions in week ending Nov 21, likely increase nationally. FluSurv-NET weekly hospitalization rate 1.5-2.5 per 100,000 estimated after delays, highest Week 42-43 since 2010-11.
• Ebola: CDC current situation page as of Nov 6 reports 10,910 total confirmed cases and 5,234 deaths. Outbreak surpassed 1,000 cases within 40 days of response activation. Risk to US public remains low, no cases confirmed in US.
• Check MMR and flu status now before gatherings, travel, and school events. Early vaccination still protects through winter peak.

When to Seek Care
For measles: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash 7-21 days after exposure. For flu: trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, symptoms that improve then return with fever and worse cough. Antivirals work best within 2 days. For Ebola concern: fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding within 21 days of DRC travel — call ahead and mention travel history immediately.

Sources: CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks updated Nov 6 with 5,182 as of Nov 5; Reuters US measles cases rise to 5,182 highest in 35 years Nov 6; CDC Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report Week 43 ending Oct 31 with 8,396 admissions; Becker's flu ED visits up 42% to 1.7% with 8,396 admissions up 38%; CDC Forecasts of Flu Hospital Admissions 6,900 to 30,100 week ending Nov 21; CDC Ebola Outbreak Current Situation 10,910 cases as of Nov 6. 

Educational purposes only, not medical advice. Talk with your clinician.

Daily Rounds - November 9, 2026: Measles Hits 5,182 Cases Highest Since 1991 Plus Flu Hospitalizations Jump to 8,396
By Dr. Harold Mandel | November 9, 2026 | DrHaroldMandel.org / MandelNews.com

CDC issued major updates November 6: measles rose to 5,182 confirmed cases nationwide as of November 5, up 330 cases in one week, the highest annual total since 1991 and more than double the 2,289 total from all of 2025. Flu hospitalizations rose to 8,396 lab-confirmed admissions in the week ending October 31, up 38% from 6,100 the prior week.

What Causes It

• Measles is caused by measles virus, one of the most contagious viruses known, able to live in airspace up to two hours after an infected person leaves. It was eliminated from the US in 2000 but has returned.
• Flu is caused by influenza viruses. This season 99.2% of subtyped A viruses were A(H1N1). CDC estimates at least 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations, and 1,400 deaths from flu so far this season, including first pediatric flu death of the season.

How It Spreads

• Measles: Airborne when infected person coughs or sneezes. Up to 9 of 10 unvaccinated close contacts become infected. CDC reports 96% of cases are outbreak-associated with 43 outbreaks this year, across 45 states plus DC.
• Flu: Respiratory droplets, close contact within 6 feet, contaminated surfaces. CDC says flu accounted for 1.7% of emergency department visits week ending Oct 31, up from 1.2% prior week. Flu is growing or likely growing in 44 states, with season nearly a month ahead of schedule.

Prevention

• MMR vaccine is best protection for measles: two doses about 97% effective, one dose about 93% effective. Less than 1% of Pennsylvania cases were among vaccinated individuals. Children: first dose 12-15 months, second dose 4-6 years. Adults with two documented doses generally protected for life.
• Flu vaccine: CDC recommends annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, ideally September or October. For 65+, high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted vaccine preferred. Everyday actions: stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, improve ventilation, avoid touching face.

Current Recommendations - November 6, 2026

• National measles: 5,182 confirmed cases as of Nov 5 per CDC, including 5,164 by 47 jurisdictions and 18 among international visitors. Hospitalizations 562 (11% of cases). Four deaths confirmed nationally per CDC, with state-level reports indicating higher toll. More than double 2025 total of 2,289. 
• Pennsylvania: 1,467 confirmed cases across 45 counties as of Nov 4, including 283 hospitalizations and 34 new cases since Nov 2, with six measles-associated deaths confirmed by state. Nationwide count 4,852 as of Oct 29 before rising to 5,182. 
• Flu: 8,396 lab-confirmed flu admissions week ending Oct 31, up 38% from 6,100. CDC forecasts 6,900 to 30,100 likely new admissions in week ending Nov 21, with likely increase nationally. CDC estimates at least 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations, 1,400 deaths so far this season. 
• Check MMR status now before travel and gatherings. Check flu vaccination — early season highest since 2010-11 for this calendar week.

When to Seek Care
For measles: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash 7-21 days after exposure. For flu: trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, symptoms that improve then return with fever and worse cough. Antivirals work best within 2 days. Call ahead if you suspect measles to prevent spread.

Sources: CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks updated Nov 6 with 5,182 cases as of Nov 5; USA Today Measles surpasses 5,000; Pennsylvania Dept of Health 1,467 cases across 45 counties; CDC FluView Week 43 ending Oct 31 with 8,396 admissions; CDC Forecasts of Flu Hospital Admissions Nov 4 with 6,900 to 30,100 projection.

Educational purposes only, not medical advice. Talk with your clinician.

Daily Rounds - November 8, 2026: Measles Tops 5,182 Cases Highest Since 1991 Plus Flu Hospitalizations Jump to 8,396
By Dr. Harold Mandel | November 8, 2026 | DrHaroldMandel.org / MandelNews.com

CDC reported two major updates November 6-7: measles rose to 5,182 confirmed cases nationwide as of November 5, up 330 cases in one week, the highest annual total since 1991 and more than double the 2,289 cases from all of 2025. Flu hospitalizations rose to 8,396 lab-confirmed admissions in the week ending October 31, up 38% from 6,100 the prior week.

What Causes It

• Measles is caused by measles virus, one of the most contagious viruses known, able to live in airspace up to two hours after an infected person leaves. It was eliminated from the US in 2000 but has returned.
• Flu is caused by influenza viruses. This season 99.2% of subtyped A viruses were A(H1N1) with early surge. CDC estimates at least 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations, and 1,400 deaths from flu so far this season. 

How It Spreads

• Measles: Airborne when infected person coughs or sneezes. Up to 9 of 10 unvaccinated close contacts become infected. CDC reports 96% of cases are outbreak-associated across 43 outbreaks, with cases now in 45 states. 
• Flu: Respiratory droplets, close contact within 6 feet, contaminated surfaces. CDC says flu accounted for 1.7% of emergency department visits week ending Oct 31, up from 1.2% prior week, and is growing in 44 states.

Prevention

• MMR vaccine is best protection for measles: two doses about 97% effective, one dose about 93% effective. CDC counts 5,182 confirmed cases as of Nov 5 with 562 hospitalizations and 7 confirmed deaths. 
• Flu vaccine: CDC recommends annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, ideally September or October. For 65+, high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted vaccine preferred. CDC forecasts 6,900 to 30,100 new flu admissions likely week ending Nov 21, likely increase nationally. 
• Pennsylvania remains epicenter: 1,467 cases across 45 counties including 34 since Nov 2, with 283 hospitalizations and sixth death reported Nov 4. 

Current Recommendations - November 7, 2026

• National measles: 5,182 cases as of Nov 5, up 6.8% from 4,852 prior week, highest since 1991, spanning 45 states. 
• Pennsylvania: 1,467 cases as of Nov 4, sixth measles-associated death an unvaccinated Jefferson County resident. 
• Flu: Hospitalizations rising — 8,396 admissions week ending Oct 31 vs 6,100 prior week, up 38%. Weekly admission rate 2.5 per 100,000 — highest for this time since 2010-11 season per FluSurv-NET estimates.
• Check MMR status now and flu vaccination before travel and gatherings. Less than 1% of Pennsylvania cases were vaccinated.

When to Seek Care
For measles: fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash 7-21 days after exposure. For flu: trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, inability to keep fluids down. Antivirals work best within 2 days. Call ahead if you suspect measles to prevent spread.

Sources: CDC measles 5,182 cases highest since 1991 as of Nov 5; CDC 5,182 cases as of Nov 5 with 562 hospitalizations; CDC flu 6,900-30,100 forecast Nov 21; CDC flu 1.7M illnesses 25K hospitalizations; Pennsylvania 1,467 cases across 45 counties; Pennsylvania sixth death Nov 4; CDC superbug report 9.3M infections. 

Educational purposes only, not medical advice. Talk with your clinician.