The United States has documented 2,318 measles cases through mid-2026, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. This figure already surpasses the 2,289 cases recorded in 2025, marking the highest annual total in more than three decades and establishing 2026 as the worst year for measles outbreaks since 1991.
The resurgence of measles comes despite the disease being virtually eliminated in the country through vaccination campaigns that achieved elimination status in 2000. Public health officials attribute the sharp increase to declining immunization rates and growing skepticism toward vaccine programs. A Texas state epidemiologist noted that official case counts likely represent an underestimate, as they depend on people seeking testing and healthcare providers reporting cases to public health authorities.
Several states are experiencing significant outbreaks, with South Carolina reporting 997 cases in what health officials describe as the state’s largest measles outbreak in 35 years. Substantial outbreaks have also occurred in Utah and Arizona. Vaccination rates among kindergartners for measles, mumps, and rubella declined to 92.5 percent during the 2024-2025 school year, with steeper declines observed in certain communities. Public health experts indicate that a 95 percent vaccination coverage rate is necessary to prevent community transmission.
Vulnerable populations, including young children and individuals with compromised immune systems, face heightened risk during outbreaks. Health officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage both to protect individuals and to prevent widespread disease transmission in communities.
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