Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year

In 2026, the United States has experienced the highest number of measles cases in over three decades, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Midway through July, the tally had already surpassed the record set in 2025, which had been the most severe year in recent history with more than 2,200 confirmed cases. The ongoing outbreaks have put the U.S. at risk of losing its measles elimination status, a designation it has maintained since 2000.

Pennsylvania's health department reported on August 25 that the state had recorded its first two measles-related deaths in 35 years, both in Lancaster County. Both individuals had not received the measles vaccination. The CDC did not include these deaths in its weekly update, stating they are pending confirmation based on available information.

Measles is highly contagious, potentially causing severe lung and brain infections that can result in cognitive impairment, deafness, or death. However, it can be effectively prevented through vaccination, which has been proven safe and highly effective. The CBS News data team has been monitoring confirmed measles cases across the nation as new data from state health departments and the CDC becomes available.

Out of the 2,289 confirmed cases in 2025, more than 750 were linked to an outbreak in West Texas that resulted in the deaths of two children. Prior to 2025, the highest number of confirmed cases in recent years was 1,274 in 2019, primarily due to outbreaks in New York, California, and Washington state. Most years see significantly lower totals.

Health experts attribute the increase in measles cases to lower vaccination rates, with most cases involving unvaccinated individuals. The vast majority of outbreaks have occurred in communities with lower vaccination rates. According to CDC data, about 92.4% of U.S. kindergartners received their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shots in the 2025-2026 school year, a slight decrease from 92.5% the previous year.

This figure has declined from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year, a critical threshold for maintaining community immunity against the disease.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, emphasized the importance of parents vaccinating their children against measles and other standard childhood vaccines. Extensive research has found no evidence of increased autism rates among vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated ones, and vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing.