US surpasses 2025’s record number of measles infections as cases climb
The United States has recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026, surpassing the total for all of 2025 and marking the highest count since 1991. Health officials warn that the country is at risk of losing its measles-free status due to declining vaccination rates.
Why it matters
The resurgence of a preventable disease poses a significant public health challenge and highlights the consequences of falling vaccination coverage.
Health department staff members enter the Andrews county health department measles clinic carrying doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, on 8 April 2025, in Andrews, Texas. Health department staff members enter the Andrews county health department measles clinic carrying doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, on 8 April 2025, in Andrews, Texas. MMR US surpasses 2025’s record number of measles infections as cases climb The latest milestone, a recorded 2,318 infections, makes 2026 the worst year for measles in the US since 1991
Prefer the Guardian on Google The US has officially surpassed last year’s record number of measles infections, marking the highest case count since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in