CDC Says 2026 Measles Cases Already Exceed 2025, Worst Since 1991
The CDC has logged 2,318 U.S. measles cases as of Thursday, July 23, 2026, surpassing the 2,289 cases recorded in all of 2025 and marking the worst measles year since 1991.[1]
Public health officials say the surge is driven by large outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona.[1] South Carolina has reported 997 cases, and Utah has seen more than 700 cases spanning about a year.[1]
Kindergarten measles-mumps-rubella vaccination coverage fell to 92.5% in the 2024-25 school year, down from 95.2% in 2019-20 and below the 95% level needed for herd protection. Researchers say Texas's 2025 outbreak may have been nearly twice the officially confirmed 762 cases, suggesting official counts likely understate the true scale.
International health officials will meet in November 2026 to consider whether the United States and Mexico should lose their measles elimination status first achieved in 2000. State and local health leaders say rising cases and falling vaccine coverage increase the urgency of vaccination campaigns.
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📌 Key Facts
- As of Thursday, July 23, 2026, the CDC has logged 2,318 U.S. measles cases, exceeding the 2,289 cases recorded in all of 2025.
- Public health officials say 2026 is now the worst U.S. measles year since 1991, driven by large outbreaks in South Carolina (997 cases), Utah (more than 700 cases over a year) and Arizona.
- National MMR vaccination coverage among kindergartners dropped to 92.5% in 2024-25 from 95.2% in 2019-20, below the 95% level needed for herd protection.
- Researchers estimate Texas's 2025 measles outbreak may have been nearly twice the 762 confirmed cases, underscoring likely undercounts in official data.
- International health officials plan to meet in November 2026 to determine whether the U.S. and Mexico will lose their measles elimination status first achieved in 2000.
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