US Sees Record Measles Cases in 2026
The United States has witnessed a dramatic spike in measles cases, with over 5,000 reported in 2026, marking the highest number since 1991.
In a significant public health development, the United States has recorded more than 5,000 cases of measles in 2026, surpassing the previous high set in 1991 12. This latest surge in measles cases underscores a growing concern for public health officials.
The CDC has confirmed that 5,182 cases of measles were officially documented this year, a stark contrast to the 2,289 cases reported in 2025 12. Among these cases, nearly 5,000 have been linked to outbreaks, highlighting the contagious nature of the disease 2.
Demographically, the impact of measles has been notably felt by younger Americans. Children under five years old account for 18% of the cases, while those aged five to nineteen make up 41% of the total 2. Together, children and teenagers represent approximately 59% of all confirmed cases, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in these age groups 2.
A concerning trend is the drop in vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners, which fell from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.4% in 2025-2026 2. This decline in immunizations likely contributes to the increased number of measles cases observed recently 2.
Pennsylvania stands out as one of the hardest-hit states, with six deaths and 1,487 cases reported this year 2. However, there is a disagreement between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr regarding the classification of measles-related deaths 2. According to Pennsylvania’s criteria, a death is considered measles-associated if it occurs within 30 days of symptom onset, unless the cause is unrelated 2.
Two unvaccinated individuals in Pennsylvania lost their lives to measles in August, but these fatalities were later excluded from the CDC’s national count 2. To address this discrepancy, the CDC is partnering with the US Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to develop a uniform definition for measles deaths 2.
What We Know
- Over 5,000 measles cases were recorded in the US in 2026 12
- This marks the highest number of measles cases since 1991 12
- 5,182 cases of measles were confirmed in 2026 12
- The number of cases in 2025 was 2,289 12
- Children and teenagers account for approximately 59% of all confirmed cases 2
- Kindergarten vaccination coverage decreased from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.4% in 2025-2026 2
- Pennsylvania reported six deaths and 1,487 cases this year 2
- There is a dispute over the classification of measles deaths between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr 2
- The CDC is working on a standardized definition for measles deaths with the US Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists 2
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Trust Score report
- confirmed
The United States has recorded over 5,000 cases of measles in 2026.
85% · supported by 2 - confirmed
This is the highest number of measles cases in the US since 1991.
85% · supported by 2 - confirmed
There were 5,182 confirmed cases of measles reported in 2026.
85% · supported by 2 - unverified
At least eight measles-related deaths have been reported, including among very young children.
50% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - unverified
Four people have died due to measles in 2026 according to CDC data.
50% · supported by 1, contradicted by 1 - confirmed
The number of cases in 2025 was 2,289.
85% · supported by 2 - likely
Children under five years old make up 18% of the cases, and those aged five to nineteen make up 41% of the cases.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Children and teenagers together account for approximately 59% of all confirmed cases.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Outbreaks are associated with 4,993 of the total cases.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners dropped from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.4% in 2025-2026.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Pennsylvania's Department of Health reported six deaths and 1,487 cases this year.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
There is a dispute between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr over how measles deaths are classified.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Pennsylvania uses a 'measles-associated' death classification if a person with confirmed measles dies within 30 days of symptom onset, unless the death was unrelated.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Two unvaccinated people in Pennsylvania died of measles in August, but these deaths were later removed from the CDC's national tally.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
The CDC is working with the US Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to set a standardized definition for measles deaths.
71% · supported by 1
Sources & references
- Medical Xpress — US reports highest number of measles cases in 35 years
- Al Jazeera — CDC reports more than 5,000 measles cases, highest number in 35 years
