The United States has seen a concerning rise in measles cases and outbreaks in the early months of 2026, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of April 23, 2026, a total of 1,792 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 37 jurisdictions. A significant majority of these cases, 93%, are associated with ongoing or new outbreaks, with many stemming from outbreaks that began in 2025. This surge follows a substantial number of cases reported in the previous year, when 2,288 confirmed measles cases were documented in the U.S..
The CDC's data indicates that 22 new measles outbreaks have been reported in 2026 alone. These outbreaks are contributing to the high percentage of confirmed cases being outbreak-associated. While the majority of cases are reported within the United States, a total of 25 measles cases have also been reported among international visitors arriving in the country.
This uptick in measles cases is raising public health alarms, particularly given that measles is a highly contagious viral illness. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been discussing critical public health issues, including vaccine safety and the waning public trust in vaccines, which has contributed to declining vaccination rates for diseases like measles. This decline has fueled outbreaks, leading to over 1,100 measles cases earlier in the year.
The high transmissibility of measles means that maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial for achieving herd immunity and preventing widespread outbreaks. The current situation underscores the importance of public health efforts to encourage vaccination and address any hesitancy to ensure protection against preventable diseases. The CDC's ongoing monitoring and response to these outbreaks are critical in managing the spread and safeguarding public health.