U.S. measles cases hit 35-year high as outbreaks spread fast
Measles cases reached 2,280 by July 17, with 93% tied to outbreaks and 38 states plus D.C. reporting infections. Vaccination gaps and "medical freedom" rhetoric are driving the surge.
U.S. measles cases climbed to 2,280 by July 17, putting the country near last year’s 35-year high. The CDC counted 2,030 confirmed cases by June 4, and 1,890 of them, 93%, were already tied to outbreaks rather than isolated infections.
By June 5, cases had been confirmed in 38 states and Washington, D.C. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Red Book Online tracker counted 34 new outbreaks in 2026 and 2,108 of 2,260 confirmed cases, 93%, were outbreak-associated, with 741 linked to outbreaks that started this year. Bay Area authorities have also urged vaccination to prevent measles outbreaks.
In February, the worst U.S. measles outbreak in 30 years was being fueled by "medical freedom" rhetoric, and falling vaccination rates were making the virus harder to control. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but 2025 produced the highest national total since then and 2026 has moved at an even faster pace.
Public health officials in Los Angeles County and nationwide remained concerned, and the American Medical Association urged vaccination as the case count rose. Families with no MMR shots, incomplete vaccination or infants too young for routine immunization face the greatest risk. Parents should confirm vaccination status, seek care quickly after exposure and keep sick children away from schools, day care and crowded indoor spaces.
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