PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — Pennsylvania is approaching 800 total reported cases of measles in 2026 as the federal government and the state continue to publicly butt heads over what constitutes a “measles-related” death.

As of data released by the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, there have been 792 confirmed cases of measles spread across 39 counties as state officials continue what it describes as a “robust response” to the ongoing measles outbreak.

Over the span of a few days, hospitalization numbers have climbed from 141 to 155.

Four vaccinated individuals have tested positive for measles, though the Department of Health said this is to be expected. Experts said the MMR vaccine provides 97% lifetime protection.

A letter obtained by CBS 21 showed that, as the outbreak continues to spread, the DOH reached out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for help controlling the outbreak.

READ MORE | PA asks for help with measles outbreak if CDC recognizes 4 measles-related deaths: letter

In the letter, DOH Secretary Debra Bogen cited the importance of respectful, transparent, and factual communication in its collaboration.

“The CDC’s choice not to publicly recognize the deaths undermines our response. For this reason, if CDC is unable to transparently and accurately communicate information about those measles-associated deaths, the Department will respectfully rescind our request for a CDC Epi-Aid,” Bogen wrote in the letter.

The measles battle is the center of an ongoing feud between Gov. Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Shapiro criticized RFK Jr.’s choice to omit certain data, calling it “harmful.” In response, Kennedy argued that the CDC was not including death data because new information from the coroner about an infant who died of measles had emerged.

Kennedy said the CDC has been able to “end the outbreaks” in states like South Dakota and Texas.

“One of the problems with Pennsylvania is that the governor has, until very recently, refused to cooperate with CDC,” Kennedy said. “When I offered them to Governor Shapiro, he said, ‘No, we don’t need your help.'”

Last week, President Donald Trump took a shot at Shapiro, calling him “close to incompetent.“

As of Thursday, the CDC reported that Pennsylvania has had more measles cases than any other state this year.