Measles Cases Surge in 2026, Jeopardizing US Elimination Status

The United States is on track to significantly exceed last year’s already concerning number of measles cases, with 1,362 confirmed infections reported as of March 13, 2026. This figure represents more than half of all cases recorded throughout 2025, a year that saw the highest incidence of measles in the U.S. In three decades.

The ongoing surge in cases is raising alarms among public health officials, jeopardizing the nation’s ability to maintain its measles elimination status – a designation achieved in 2000. Several states are experiencing particularly large outbreaks, including Arizona (56 cases in 2026, with a total of 276), Utah (209 cases in 2026, totaling 405), and South Carolina (664 cases in 2026, with a cumulative 993). New outbreaks are emerging rapidly, with 12 identified in 2026 alone. Florida (132 cases), Texas (93 cases), Washington (26 cases), and California (29 cases) are also reporting increasing case counts. CDC data provides detailed breakdowns by state.

Outbreaks Linked to Multiple Settings

Investigations reveal that these outbreaks are occurring in diverse settings. More than 50 cases in Florida have been traced to an outbreak at a private university in February. In Texas, at least 14 cases have been linked to detainees held at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in El Paso earlier this month. California has reported three separate outbreaks, including one involving a toddler who traveled to an affected area in South Carolina. Nine cases in 2026 have been reported among international visitors, even as the vast majority – 92% – are occurring among U.S. Residents who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

Expert Concerns and the Importance of Vaccination

“The high number of U.S. Measles cases is concerning and threatens the U.S. Measles elimination status,” explains Yvonne “Bonnie” A. Maldonado, MD, a professor of global health and infectious diseases at Stanford University School of Medicine. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) is scheduled to review the U.S. And Mexico’s measles elimination status in November, a meeting originally planned for April but postponed to coincide with the commission’s annual meeting. If a particular strain of the virus is found to have circulated for more than 12 months, the U.S. Could lose its measles-free status. The Americas region as a whole already lost its measles elimination status in 2025 due to ongoing transmission in Canada. PAHO’s update details the review process.

Shifting Messaging from the CDC

The CDC, under the temporary leadership of Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, who is also serving as acting CDC director, has recently emphasized the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In a video released on March 2, Bhattacharya stated that the MMR vaccine is “the most reliable and effective way to prevent” measles transmission, offering 97% protection with two doses. This messaging represents a shift in tone from a recent opinion piece published by Ralph Abraham, MD, the former principal deputy director of the CDC, who argued that the rise in U.S. Measles cases was primarily due to high global prevalence rather than domestic health policy. Abraham’s argument, published in The Wall Street Journal, pointed to higher case counts in Canada and Mexico despite lower vaccination rates.

Understanding Vaccine Effectiveness and Transmission

While the MMR vaccine is highly effective, it’s important to understand that vaccine failure – though rare – can occur. However, experts emphasize that the current surge in cases is overwhelmingly driven by a lack of vaccination, rather than vaccine failure. Maldonado stresses that “measles infection should not be the ‘cost of doing business’ due to the fact that a very safe and highly effective intervention — measles vaccine — has been shown to eliminate measles in the United States since the year 2000, despite numerous global outbreaks and ongoing transmission in more than 50% of other countries during those 26 years.”

What to Expect in the Coming Months

Public health surveillance will continue to be critical in monitoring the spread of measles and identifying areas where vaccination efforts need to be intensified. The CDC is actively tracking cases and outbreaks, and state and local health departments are working to implement targeted vaccination campaigns. The PAHO review in November will be a key moment, potentially impacting the U.S.’s official measles elimination status. Ongoing research will also be essential to better understand the factors contributing to the resurgence of measles and to develop strategies to improve vaccination rates. Individuals should stay informed about measles outbreaks in their communities and consult with their healthcare providers about vaccination. CDC’s clinical guidance provides detailed information on measles prevention and control.

Staying informed: The CDC’s website provides the most up-to-date information on measles cases, outbreaks, and vaccination recommendations. Individuals can also consult with their state and local health departments for specific guidance in their area.