US measles cases hit 2,318 in 2026, surpassing last year's total: CDC
The CDC reports that U.S. measles cases have reached 2,318 in 2026, surpassing the previous year's total and marking the highest count since 1991. The majority of cases involve unvaccinated children and teenagers, prompting public health concerns regarding vaccination rates.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a preventable, highly contagious disease highlights a significant public health crisis and challenges in national vaccination coverage.
The number of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. so far this year has hit 2,318, surpassing the total reported for all last year, according to data updated Friday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Previously, last year's total of 2,289 was the highest number of recorded measles cases in more than 30 years, CDC data shows. The new figure marks the highest number of cases recorded since 1991.
Cases have been confirmed in 43 states and the District of Columbia. Sixteen of this year's total have been among international visitors to the U.S., according to the CDC.
The majority of measles cases in 2026 have been confirmed among children and teenagers aged 19 and younger, according to the CDC. About one in 10 children under age 5 have been hospitalized.
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