Measles Outbreaks Spread Across Nearly Half of U.S. States

Over 900 confirmed cases reported in 2026 as country risks losing measles elimination status

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Measles outbreaks have occurred in close to half of U.S. states, resulting in over 900 confirmed cases so far in 2026, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The growing number of outbreaks has put the country at risk of losing its measles elimination status, which it achieved in 2000.

Why it matters

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, with the ability to infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed. The outbreaks highlight the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to achieve community-level protection, which requires a 95% vaccination rate.

The details

The 24 states that have reported measles cases so far in 2026 are Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The country's measles elimination status hinges on whether a single measles chain has spread uninterrupted within the U.S. for at least 12 months.

  • As of February 12, 2026, there have been 910 confirmed measles cases reported in the U.S.
  • The total count of confirmed measles cases in 2025 was 2,276, according to the CDC.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The national public health institute in the United States that conducts research and provides information to the public about health-related topics.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The nation's health chief who has made past comments doubting the efficacy of vaccines.

Dr. Mehmet Oz

The physician overseeing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services who urged people to get the measles vaccine.

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What they’re saying

“Not all illnesses are equally dangerous and not all people are equally susceptible to those illnesses. But measles is one you should get your vaccine [for].”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Physician overseeing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CNN's 'State of the Union')

“Take the vaccine, please.”

— Dr. Mehmet Oz, Physician overseeing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CNN's 'State of the Union')

What’s next

The country's measles elimination status hinges on whether or not a single measles chain has spread uninterrupted within the U.S. for at least 12 months.

The takeaway

The growing measles outbreaks across nearly half of U.S. states highlight the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to achieve community-level protection and prevent the country from losing its measles elimination status.