The United States is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with , marking 910 confirmed cases nationwide. This figure represents a significant increase and is prompting concern among public health officials. The majority of these cases – 822 out of the 910 confirmed – are linked to ongoing outbreaks, with 62 originating in 2026 and 760 stemming from outbreaks that began in 2025.
The outbreaks are not limited to a single region, with cases reported across 24 jurisdictions including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin. Six cases have been identified in international visitors to the U.S.
This year alone, five new measles outbreaks have been reported as of , the date the CDC last updated its data. The situation echoes a broader trend observed in 2025, which saw a total of 2,280 confirmed measles cases across 45 jurisdictions, including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York State, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. In 2025, 25 cases were reported among international visitors, and 49 outbreaks were documented.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children. Symptoms typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash then develops, spreading from the face to the rest of the body. While most people recover, measles can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and even death.
The current increase in cases is largely attributed to decreased vaccination rates. Measles is preventable through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for all children, with the first dose typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Recent outbreaks have been particularly notable at specific institutions. For example, a significant outbreak has been reported at the University of Notre Dame in the United States, representing what has been described as the largest measles outbreak in modern history for that institution. Similarly, a measles outbreak has been identified at St. Mary’s University in Florida, with over 40 cases reported. In New York City, the first measles case of 2026 has been confirmed in an infant who recently returned from overseas.
Health officials are urging individuals to ensure they and their families are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations. They emphasize the importance of vaccination not only for personal protection but also for community immunity, which helps to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants too young to receive the vaccine or individuals with certain medical conditions.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and provides weekly updates on national measles case counts and outbreak status. State and local health departments are also publishing the most current information specific to their jurisdictions. Resources are available for communities experiencing outbreaks, including sample letters and toolkits to help educate the public about measles prevention and control.
The United States had previously declared measles eliminated in 2000. The current surge in cases raises concerns that the nation may lose this status, highlighting the critical need for sustained vaccination efforts to protect public health. The ongoing outbreaks and increasing case numbers underscore the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage rates to prevent the re-establishment of measles as a common disease.
Individuals who suspect they may have measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. We see crucial to inform the healthcare provider of the possibility of measles before arriving at the clinic to allow for appropriate precautions to be taken to prevent further spread of the virus.
