U.S. on Track for Record-Breaking Annual Measles Cases

Over 1,100 measles cases reported so far in 2026, with experts predicting more deaths to come.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The United States has already reported more than 1,100 measles cases in 2026, six times higher than a typical year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts warn that with decreasing vaccination rates, the country could see a record number of measles cases and additional deaths this year.

Why it matters

Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment has contributed to decreasing vaccination rates and a comeback of the infection. Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, which can cause deafness or intellectual disability, especially in unvaccinated populations.

The details

The majority of the 1,136 measles cases reported so far in 2026 have been in 28 states, with the highest numbers in South Carolina (653 cases), Utah (149), and Florida (107). In 2025, there were 2,281 cases nationwide, with 242 hospitalizations and 3 deaths. Experts predict another death is likely in 2026 given the high case numbers.

  • As of February 27, 2026, the U.S. has recorded 1,136 measles cases.
  • In 2025, there were 2,281 measles cases reported in the U.S.

The players

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The national public health institute in the United States.

Dr. Paul Offit

An infectious disease physician and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. William Schaffner

An infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Dr. Linda Bell

The South Carolina State Epidemiologist.

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What they’re saying

“When more people are choosing not to vaccinate their children, you're going to see more disease, more suffering, more hospitalization and more death. Children are dying from a vaccine-preventable disease because their parents are choosing not to vaccinate them, and they're choosing not to vaccinate them because they fear the vaccine more than they fear the disease.”

— Dr. Paul Offit, Infectious disease physician and director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CNN)

“Measles is a fierce infection, and we should be preventing it. It can strike any healthy, normal child in its most severe fashion.”

— Dr. William Schaffner, Infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (CNN)

“These are complications we hope to prevent, and increasing vaccination coverage protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like young infants, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.”

— Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist (UPI)

What’s next

Lawmakers in Congress are expected to hold hearings on the measles outbreak and consider legislation to address declining vaccination rates.

The takeaway

The resurgence of measles in the U.S. highlights the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of deadly, vaccine-preventable diseases.