Measles cases are rising across the United States, with , data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 910 confirmed cases in 2026 alone. This increase is prompting concern among public health officials, particularly as vaccination rates remain a critical factor in controlling the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Florida is currently experiencing a significant number of cases, ranking among the top three states affected. As of , the state has reported 63 cases. An outbreak linked to Ave Maria University, a private Catholic college near Naples, Florida, has contributed to this total, with at least 12 individuals testing positive for measles earlier this month.
Geographic Distribution of Cases
Beyond Florida, measles cases have been reported in 23 other states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. South Carolina currently leads the nation with 616 cases, followed by Utah with 96.
Comparing 2026 to 2025
The current surge in cases represents a continuation of a trend observed in 2025, which saw a total of 2,280 confirmed measles cases nationwide, including 25 cases among international visitors. The CDC data indicates that 89% of the 2025 cases were associated with outbreaks, highlighting the potential for rapid transmission when the virus gains a foothold in communities.
Interestingly, hospitalization rates associated with measles appear to be lower in 2026 compared to the previous year. Currently, approximately 3% of cases require hospitalization, whereas in 2025, the hospitalization rate was 11%. While this difference is notable, it does not diminish the seriousness of the illness, and hospitalization rates can fluctuate depending on the severity of outbreaks and the demographics of those affected.
Understanding Measles and its Risks
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can lead to severe health complications, particularly in young children and individuals who are unvaccinated. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash of red spots. The CDC emphasizes that before the introduction of the measles vaccine, the U.S. Experienced an estimated 48,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths annually due to measles.
Complications from measles can be serious. Approximately 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract the disease will require hospitalization. Pneumonia develops in about 1 in 20 children, and in rare cases, measles can cause encephalitis, a dangerous swelling of the brain. The CDC estimates that up to 3 in every 1,000 children infected with measles may die from respiratory and neurological complications.
The Importance of Vaccination
The highly effective measles vaccine remains the most important tool in preventing the spread of this disease. Recently, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, publicly urged individuals to get vaccinated, stating, “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem.”
The current outbreaks underscore the critical need for maintaining high vaccination coverage rates to protect both individuals and communities. While the measles vaccine is highly effective, it requires a certain level of population immunity – known as herd immunity – to prevent widespread transmission. When vaccination rates decline, the risk of outbreaks increases, as seen with the current situation.
Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage individuals to ensure they and their families are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations. The CDC provides resources and information on measles prevention and control on its website, including guidance for communities experiencing outbreaks.
