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Measles Surges: Highest US Cases in 35 Years!
14 Aug
Summary
- Over 2,500 measles cases reported this year, highest since 1991.
- Most cases (93%) were unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown status.
- Measles surge linked to declining MMR immunization rates post-pandemic.
The U.S. is experiencing its highest number of measles cases in over three decades, with 2,566 confirmed cases reported this year as of August 14, 2026. This figure represents the highest annual total since the major resurgence between 1989 and 1991.
Crucially, 93% of this year's infections occurred in unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unknown. The remaining cases were in people who had received one or two doses of the measles vaccine. Infections have been documented across 45 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
This significant increase in measles cases over the past two years has occurred alongside a steady decline in childhood MMR immunization rates, a trend that began at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A notable outbreak in South Carolina alone sickened nearly 1,000 people, becoming the largest single-location outbreak since measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
