WASHINGTON — The United States has recorded its highest annual number of measles cases in 35 years, with more than 2,300 infections confirmed in 2026 as outbreaks continue across the country, according to U.S. health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,318 confirmed measles cases through July 23, surpassing the 2,288 cases recorded during all of 2025. The 2026 total is the highest annual count since the major measles resurgence of 1989-1991, when the United States recorded more than 55,000 cases and 123 deaths.
The cases have been reported across 45 jurisdictions, reflecting continued transmission of a disease that the United States declared eliminated in 2000. Measles remains highly contagious, and the CDC says vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides the best protection against infection.
The resurgence follows a decline in childhood vaccination coverage. CDC data show that MMR coverage among U.S. kindergartners fell from 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year to 92.5% in 2024-2025, leaving an estimated 286,000 kindergartners without the level of protection associated with community immunity.
Large outbreaks have contributed substantially to the national total. South Carolina's outbreak, which began in October 2025, eventually infected 997 people before state officials declared it over in April. The state said at least 21 people were hospitalized.
Earlier outbreaks in West Texas and neighboring New Mexico also highlighted the concentration of measles transmission in communities with low vaccination coverage. A CDC investigation found that the 2025 Texas outbreak resulted in 762 confirmed cases, 99 hospitalizations and two deaths before it was declared over in August 2025.
Measles can cause serious complications, particularly among young children. The CDC says symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after infection and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and a characteristic rash.
The CDC continues to classify 2026 case counts as subject to revision as health departments complete investigations and report additional infections. The latest publicly confirmed national figure available is 2,318 cases through July 23.
