Measles Cases Surge Across the U.S.

Nationwide rise in vaccine-preventable disease raises concerns about losing "measles elimination" status.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Measles cases are on the rise across the United States, with over 500 reported in South Carolina alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The increase in cases has prompted warnings from health officials, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, who urged people to get the measles vaccine to help reduce the spread of the disease.

Why it matters

The U.S. is at risk of losing its "measles elimination" status achieved in 2000 due to the recent surge in cases. Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease, and the rise in cases highlights the importance of vaccination efforts to protect public health.

The details

The California Department of Public Health reported that the recent cases in the state were among individuals who were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination history. Nine cases were linked to exposure at Disneyland in Anaheim and Los Angeles International Airport. Meanwhile, D.C. health officials warned people who attended the National March for Life rally in Washington in January that they may have been exposed to measles.

  • On February 11, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the U.S. is on course to lose its "measles elimination" status achieved in 2000.
  • Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health said cases were increasing across the state.
  • In January 2026, D.C. health officials warned people who attended the National March for Life rally that they may have been exposed to measles.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The national public health institute in the United States.

California Department of Public Health

The state health department responsible for public health in California.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

A cardiothoracic surgeon and television personality who urged people to get the measles vaccine.

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What they’re saying

“Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem.”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz (yahoo.com)

The takeaway

The rise in measles cases across the U.S. highlights the importance of vaccination efforts to protect public health and prevent the loss of the country's "measles elimination" status. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated to help reduce the spread of this highly contagious and potentially serious disease.