Measles is spreading in the United States at a pace not seen in decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 4,080 cases so far in 2026, as of October 8, an increase of 193 in a single week. That is already 78% more than the 2,289 cases reported in the whole of 2025, and it makes 2026 the worst year since measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000.
The latest figures
- Confirmed cases: 4,080 across 47 jurisdictions, including 26 among international visitors.
- Outbreaks: 42 new outbreaks reported this year; 96% of cases are linked to an outbreak.
- Hospitalisations: 414, about 10% of all cases, compared with 244 in 2025.
- Who is getting sick: 42% of cases are aged 5 to 19 and 40% are adults; children under five are the most likely to be hospitalised.
- Vaccination status: 95% of patients were unvaccinated or had an unknown status.
Deaths and hotspots
The CDC currently lists two measles-related deaths in 2026, a figure it says may change. Pennsylvania health officials have separately reported five deaths linked to the state’s outbreak, which has spread to more than half of its counties and put more than 170 people in hospital. New York declared a statewide disaster emergency in early October after 108 cases this year.
Why measles is back
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known; one infected person can infect most unvaccinated people around them. Communities need about 95% of people to be immune to stop it spreading, and childhood vaccination rates in many US counties have fallen below that level. Outbreaks that began in 2025 have continued into this year, and the country is at risk of losing its measles elimination status, which requires that no chain of transmission lasts 12 months.
How to protect your family
- Check vaccination records. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
- Children usually get the first dose at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Infants aged 6–11 months can get an early dose before international travel or during outbreaks.
- Adults born after 1957 without proof of immunity should ask a doctor about vaccination.
- Know the symptoms: high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face. Call ahead before visiting a clinic so staff can prevent spread in waiting rooms.