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Delaware Declares Measles Outbreak

DOVER, DEL. (July 22, 2026) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is reporting two additional positive measles cases, totaling four in the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a measles outbreak as three or more cases of measles that are connected by time and location. Extensive contact tracing is ongoing to identify anyone exposed to the individuals who tested positive. DPH will notify people who were identified as exposed to confirm whether they have been vaccinated against measles, provide educational resources, and to recommend treatment when necessary. More information will be forthcoming if contact tracing reveals any known public exposures.

The measles cases identified to date are unvaccinated adult males in Kent County. DPH is unable to provide more details about the individuals who tested positive at this time due to medical privacy restrictions.

People who are unvaccinated, pregnant, immunocompromised, or too young to be vaccinated face the highest risk of severe complications during a measles outbreak. Pregnant persons, immunocompromised persons, or children less than 6 months old who have come into contact with someone suspected to have measles, should immediately contact their primary care provider or Delawares Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 302-744-4990 for guidance.

Unvaccinated individuals or those unsure of their vaccination status who get exposed to a person with measles should contact their primary care provider or a public health clinic to obtain an MMR vaccine.

Delawareans are encouraged to confirm their vaccination status as well as the status of their children. If they are unsure of their vaccination status, they can visit the DelVAX Public Portal and view their personal profile. Individuals may also contact their primary health care provider for additional details if they are unable to obtain their records on DelVAX.

Generally, anyone showing any symptoms of measles should seek immediate health care by contacting their primary care provider. If symptoms are severe, they should seek immediate care at the nearest emergency department. Prior to going to any health care facility, the individual should notify providers and medical transport that they or their child were exposed to measles. If you do not have a provider, contact a public health clinic.

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DPH Releases Latest Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in Delaware

DOVER, Del. (April 20, 2026) – Cancer mortality rates in Delaware continue to decline, according to new data released by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). Between 2008 and 2022, cancer mortality rates decreased by an average of 1.5% per year in both Delaware and the United States.

DPH today presented its latest report, Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2018–2022, to the Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC), which advises the Governor and General Assembly on cancer-related policy. The report includes cancer incidence and mortality data for 2018–2022, along with trends dating back to 2008.

“Our state’s declining cancer mortality rate shows that prevention and early detection efforts are making a real difference,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This progress reflects the continued work of the Delaware Cancer Consortium and the Division of Public Health to improve outcomes for Delawareans.”

DPH also released detailed data tables covering the 23 most common cancer types, as well as a supplemental report, Small Area-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware, 2018–2022, which includes census tract-level maps.

“While mortality rates are declining, our work is far from over,” said DPH Director Steven Blessing. “We will continue using data to guide prevention, strengthen community partnerships, and improve access to screening and care.”

Key Findings

  • The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Delaware are female breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, and colorectal cancer.
  • The leading causes of cancer death are lung and bronchus, female breast, prostate, colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
  • Cancer mortality rates declined among non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black males between 2008 and 2022, while rates remained stable for females and Hispanic populations.
  • Delaware ranks 15th nationally for cancer mortality, a significant improvement from the 1990s, when it ranked second.
  • Delaware’s overall cancer incidence rate remains higher than the national average, ranking 14th in the country.
  • Delaware’s prostate cancer mortality rate is similar to the U.S., while colorectal cancer mortality is lower.
  • Breast and lung cancer mortality rates in Delaware remain higher than the U.S.
  • Non-Hispanic Black Delawareans experience disproportionately higher mortality rates for breast and prostate cancers compared to non-Hispanic White residents.

Ongoing Prevention and Support

DPH’s Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control and the DCC use these data to guide prevention efforts, including cancer screening, tobacco cessation, and obesity prevention programs.

Delaware residents can learn more about cancer prevention, screening, and treatment at HealthyDelaware.org/Individuals or by calling the Delaware Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at 302-744-1040.

The Screening for Life program provides free cancer screenings for eligible residents, including mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, and screenings for prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer.

Residents who want help quitting smoking or vaping can contact the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858 or visit QuitSupport.com. Teens can text VAPEFREE to 873373 for support.

Appeals Court Blocks Trump Administration from Defunding Medical and Public Health Research

Thursday, January 15 – Attorney General Kathy Jennings today issued the following statement after the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling permanently preventing the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from implementing a policy that would cut billions of dollars in funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country, regardless of whether their state joined the lawsuit:

“It continues to be beyond both belief and reason that this Administration is trying to gut life-saving medical and public health research. Fortunately, the Court has affirmed what we already knew: these proposed cuts are illegal. The groundbreaking work from these sectors is a crown jewel of both Delaware and America at large, and I will continue to fight tooth and nail to protect it.”

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