The number of measles cases reported in the United States has climbed to its highest level in more than three decades, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of August 13, the CDC had confirmed 2,566 measles cases nationwide in 2026, surpassing the 2,289 cases reported during all of 2025. Cases have been reported across 47 U.S. jurisdictions, along with 16 cases involving international visitors.
The 2026 total is the highest number of measles cases reported in the United States since 1991.
Federal health officials say most of this year’s cases are connected to outbreaks. The CDC has identified 38 outbreaks so far in 2026, and approximately 94% of confirmed cases are outbreak-associated.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer continuously spreading within the country. However, imported cases can still lead to outbreaks when the virus reaches communities with lower vaccination rates.
The CDC says national vaccination coverage among kindergarten students has fallen below the 95% level considered important for preventing widespread transmission, with some communities reporting substantially lower coverage. Increased measles activity around the world also raises the chance that travelers could bring the virus into the United States.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems. Before widespread vaccination, tens of thousands of Americans were hospitalized with measles each year and hundreds died from the disease.
Health officials recommend that families review vaccination records and talk with a healthcare provider if they are unsure whether children or adults are protected against measles.
