Maps and charts show measles outbreaks grow, with record number of U.S. cases in 2026

Cases reach a decades-long high

CDC data show the United States has recorded its highest measles case total in more than 30 years so far in 2026. Outbreaks have spread across multiple states.

The ongoing outbreaks put the country at risk of losing its official measles elimination status, which it has maintained since 2000. Measles can cause serious lung and brain infections, with possible cognitive issues, deafness or death. Vaccination can prevent the disease.

Recent outbreaks and past records

In 2025, the United States recorded 2,289 confirmed measles cases. More than 750 were linked to an outbreak in West Texas that resulted in the deaths of two children.

Before 2025, the highest recent annual total was 1,274 cases in 2019, when outbreaks occurred in New York, California and Washington state. In most years, case totals were far lower.

Vaccination coverage declines

About 92.4% of U.S. kindergartners received measles-mumps-rubella shots in the 2025-2026 school year, down from 92.5% the year before. Coverage has fallen from 95.2% in 2019-2020, a level described as critical to keeping people safe; only 10 states reached 95% last year.

Experts urge childhood vaccination

National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that parents should vaccinate children against measles and other standard childhood diseases.

Research has found no evidence that vaccinated people have higher rates of autism than unvaccinated people. Vaccines also undergo intensive safety testing.