US Measles Cases Surpass 1,100 in Early 2026

CDC data shows measles cases are 6 times higher than typical for an entire year

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The U.S. has surpassed 1,100 measles cases in the first two months of 2026, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is six times higher than what is typical for an entire year, with over 80% of cases among children and teens who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. The sharp rise in cases raises concerns about the effectiveness of vaccination efforts and the potential for a larger outbreak if the trend continues.

The details

Five of the over 1,100 measles cases are in Maine, stemming from an adult in Penobscot County who traveled to a state with active measles cases. Health experts warn the country is on track for another record-breaking year for measles cases.

  • As of February 28, 2026, the U.S. has surpassed 1,100 measles cases in the first two months of the year.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The leading national public health institute in the United States.

Maine CDC

The public health agency responsible for monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks in the state of Maine.

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The takeaway

The sharp rise in measles cases in early 2026 highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease and protect vulnerable populations, especially young children.