The global rise in measles cases continues, with significant outbreaks reported across the Americas and the United States. As of , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 733 measles cases in the U.S. For 2026, a number that already surpasses the total for all of 2024.
The majority of these cases – 727 – have been reported across 20 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. An additional 6 cases have been identified in international visitors to the United States. Notably, 92% of confirmed cases (671 of 733) are associated with outbreaks, with 9 originating in 2026 and 662 linked to outbreaks that began in 2025.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an epidemiological alert on , urging countries in the region to strengthen surveillance, vaccination efforts, and rapid response protocols to interrupt transmission. This alert comes amid a sustained increase in measles cases, with 14,891 confirmed cases, including 29 deaths, reported across 13 countries in the Americas during 2025 – a 32-fold increase compared to the 466 cases reported in 2024.
Early data from 2026 indicates the trend is continuing. Between January 1st and the first three weeks of 2026, 1,031 measles cases were confirmed in seven countries: Bolivia (10), Canada (67), Chile (1), the United States (171), Guatemala (41), Mexico (740), and Uruguay (1). This represents a 43-fold increase compared to the 23 cases reported during the same period in 2025.
Mexico is currently experiencing a particularly significant outbreak, leading the Americas in case numbers. A recent case involved a child traveling from the U.S. To Mexico, highlighting the potential for international spread.
Data consistently shows that a significant proportion of those infected are unvaccinated. PAHO reports that, among confirmed cases with available vaccination information, 78% were unvaccinated and 11% had an unknown vaccination status. This underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing measles and controlling outbreaks.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications. While preventable with two doses of the measles vaccine, declining vaccination rates globally have contributed to the resurgence of the disease. The CDC data from 2025 shows a total of 2,276 confirmed cases in the United States, with outbreaks reported in 45 jurisdictions. 89% of these cases (2,029 of 2,276) were outbreak-associated.
Health officials emphasize the need for robust epidemiological surveillance to quickly identify and respond to suspected cases. PAHO recommends active case finding, including laboratory diagnosis, and the implementation of supplementary immunization activities to address immunity gaps. A timely response to any suspected case is crucial to prevent further transmission.
The current situation highlights the vulnerability of populations with low vaccination coverage. Continued efforts to increase vaccine uptake are essential to protect individuals and communities from this preventable disease. The CDC provides resources for communities experiencing outbreaks, including sample letters and toolkits to aid in communication and preparedness.
The data available as of , indicates a concerning trend in measles transmission. Ongoing vigilance, strengthened surveillance, and increased vaccination coverage are vital to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks and protect public health.
