Measles cases in the United States have exceeded last year's total, with 2,295 confirmed cases reported as of July 22, 2026. This figure surpasses the 2,286 cases recorded in 2025, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker that compiles local and state health data.
The U.S. had previously achieved measles elimination status in 2000, but the disease has resurfaced as a public health concern over the past two years. Concentrated outbreaks have been reported in several states, including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Utah, Texas, and Arizona. In 2025, Texas experienced the largest outbreak with 803 cases.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 93% of measles patients in both 2025 and 2026 were either unvaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) or had an unknown vaccination status. The majority of cases have occurred in children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 19. While no deaths have been reported in 2026, three fatalities were recorded in 2025.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can spread through direct contact with infectious droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. Symptoms typically appear within one to two weeks and can include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.
Health officials emphasize the critical role of community protection, or herd immunity, in controlling measles outbreaks. "Measles is so contagious that up to 90% of susceptible people who are exposed to an infected person will become infected," said Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst. "We need a 95% vaccine coverage rate to ensure herd immunity." He noted that a two-dose MMR vaccination is nearly 100% effective, and natural immunity after infection is generally lifelong.
The sustained local transmission indicated by the increasing number and duration of outbreaks raises concerns that the U.S. could risk losing its measles elimination status. The CDC recommends that all individuals receive two doses of the MMR vaccine as the most effective protection against the disease.
Individuals experiencing measles symptoms or who suspect exposure are advised to self-isolate and contact their healthcare provider before visiting medical facilities to prevent further spread.