US measles cases reach 35-year high, for second record-breaking year in a row

The United States has reached a 35-year high in measles cases as of July 22, 2026, with 2,295 confirmed cases this year, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University measles tracker. This figure surpasses the total of 2,289 cases reported for the entire year of 2025, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

This significant increase in cases, with five months remaining in the year, indicates a concerning trend in the spread of the highly contagious virus. The sustained transmission observed over the last two years jeopardizes the country's measles elimination status. This resurgence is largely attributed to vaccination rates falling below the 95% coverage needed for herd immunity in many communities.

Major outbreaks in states like South Carolina and Utah have significantly contributed to the 2026 case count, with 670 and 518 cases respectively, followed by Texas at 182. A substantial 93% of the confirmed cases are linked to active outbreaks, and 6% of infected individuals have required hospitalization. Public health officials emphasize the urgent need to address the underlying reasons for under-vaccination, including vaccine disinformation, to combat this alarming rise in measles infections.