Measles Case in 2026
Measles cases in the United States have risen in recent years, with outbreaks reported in multiple states. As of early 2026, more than 1,200 confirmed cases have been reported nationwide across more than 30 states, with most linked to outbreaks rather than isolated infections. Most cases involve unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status, underscoring declining vaccination coverage as a key factor in the disease’s spread.
A brief history of measles in the U.S.
Early days: The pre-vaccine era
Before the measles vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, measles was a common and often deadly disease, particularly amongst children. According to the CDC, nearly everyone contracted measles by the age of 15. The virus can lead to common issues such as ear infections and diarrhea, along with more severe complications like pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis) and in some cases, death.
Prior to the vaccine, around 3 to 4 million people in the U.S. were infected with measles each year. Among those cases, an estimated:
- 400 to 500 people died
- 48,000 were hospitalized
- 1,000 suffered encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
Vaccine development
The first measles vaccine was developed in 1963 by Dr. John Enders and Dr. Thomas Peebles. In 1968, an improved version, known as the Edmonston-Enders vaccine, was developed by Maurice Hilleman and colleagues. This vaccine has been the only measles vaccine used in the U.S. since then. The Edmonson-Enders vaccine, which is now part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, played a key role in preventing the disease and significantly reduced the number of cases and deaths.
The rise of vaccination and its impact
Following the introduction of the vaccine, the incidence of measles decreased dramatically. By 2000, the U.S. was declared to have eliminated endemic measles, meaning the virus was no longer spreading continuously within the country. The CDC and public health experts attributed the reduction in spread to a highly effective vaccination program.
The current measles outbreak
Despite the success of the vaccine, measles cases have increased in recent years. In 2019, the CDC reported the highest number of measles cases since 1992, with 1,282 cases in 31 states. The majority of these cases were linked to unvaccinated individuals in areas with low vaccination rates.
This increase is particularly concerning because measles is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain airborne for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. According to the CDC, if a person with measles enters a space where people are unvaccinated, they can infect 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals.
The importance of vaccination
The recent resurgence of measles outbreaks highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage across all communities. The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing 97% protection against measles. When vaccination rates fall below a certain threshold (typically 95%, known as herd immunity), the virus can spread more easily.
Vaccination not only protects individuals, but also shields vulnerable groups who can’t be vaccinated, like those with weakened immune systems and infants younger than 12 months old. Herd immunity helps reduce disease spread when most people are vaccinated, protecting those at higher risk.
When to get the vaccine
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend that children receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age, and again at 4 to 6 years. Children may receive the second dose earlier if at least 28 days have passed since the first dose.
A combination vaccine called MMRV provides protection against chickenpox in addition to MMR. It is an option for some children 12 months through 12 years of age.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy
Vaccine hesitancy, the reluctance to get vaccinated despite availability, has become a major public health challenge. Misinformation, fear and lack of trust in government and medical institutions have contributed to this issue. Social media platforms have also played a role in spreading false claims about vaccine safety, including the widely debunked claim that the MMR vaccine causes autism.
Public health organizations are addressing vaccine hesitancy through education, outreach and community engagement. These efforts will ensure that accurate information about vaccines reaches the public and that vaccination remains a top priority in health care.
Conclusion
While significant progress has been made toward eliminating measles following the introduction of the MMR vaccine, recent outbreaks show the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can have serious health consequences, particularly for young children and those with weakened immune systems.
The success of the measles vaccine highlights the importance of public health interventions. To protect children and vulnerable members of our communities, we must continue to educate the public and make vaccines readily available. If you have any questions about whether you or your loved ones should receive the MMR vaccine, please contact your health care provider.
Sources
1) Kaiser Family Foundation. (2025, February 28). U.S. measles outbreaks: A new abnormal in a time of vaccine hesitancy. KFF. https://www.kff.org/quick-take/u-s-measles-outbreaks-a-new-abnormal-in-a-time-of-vaccine-hesitancy/
2) PBS NewsHour. (2025, March 13). Texas measles outbreak rises to 146 cases spanning more than 9 counties. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/texas-measles-outbreak-rises-to-146-cases-spanning-more-than-9-counties
3) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 21). Measles. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html
4) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 21). History of measles. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html
5) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 21). Measles causes. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/causes/index.html
6) American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). How to protect your children during a measles outbreak. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/how-to-protect-your-children-during-a-measles-outbreak.aspx
