US measles cases poised to hit 35-year high in 2026
Epidemiologists warn that measles infections in the United States are on track to surpass the 2025 record, with vaccination gaps fueling the surge.
The United States is approaching a measles outbreak level not seen in 35 years, with confirmed cases already near last year’s total and the halfway point of the year still ahead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,134 cases as of June 25, 2026, compared with 2,288 in 2025, the highest count since a 1991 epidemic that infected 9,500 people.
"This is a major public health warning sign," epidemiologist Dr. Syra Madad told the Post. "The US is already close to last year’s total with about half the year still ahead."
Public health officials say measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a location. The disease is highly contagious, especially among unvaccinated individuals, and can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis and, in rare cases, long-term neurological damage.
"Measles can cause pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization and death, especially in young children and medically vulnerable people," Madad added.
The CDC indicates that 93% of this year’s cases involve people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, with more than half of infections occurring in children aged 5 to 19. Outbreaks have been reported in multiple states, notably Utah and South Carolina, where vaccination coverage among kindergarteners falls well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent spread.
Health experts stress that measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but maintaining that status requires consistently high immunization rates, rapid detection of cases, and robust public-health responses. Madad warned that without closing vaccination gaps, the disease will continue to find susceptible communities, leading to further outbreaks, school disruptions and strain on health departments.
"The US achieved elimination before, and it can regain control by restoring high MMR coverage, strengthening surveillance, and responding rapidly to every case," she said.
