U.S. measles cases hit highest level in 33 years, CDC reports
The U.S. has hit an unwelcome milestone in measles cases this year. The CDC is reporting 1,288 cases across the country. The disease was declared eliminated 25 years ago.
www.npr.orgHere’s the latest about measles virus outbreaks and status as of early 2026, based on recent public health communications.
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United States activity: Measles outbreaks have persisted in several states through 2025 and into 2026, with hundreds to thousands of cases reported nationwide in peak periods. Hospitalizations and deaths have occurred, predominantly among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. The trend has included outbreaks linked to Texas, Utah, Arizona, and other states, with cross-border spread to Mexico and concerns about international transmission in the Americas. Public health agencies have continued to emphasize vaccination, post-exposure prophylaxis where indicated, and outbreak investigation to control transmission.[2][5][7]
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Global context: WHO and PAHO have reported ongoing measles activity in multiple regions, noting that measles remains highly contagious and that vaccination gaps contribute to outbreaks. In 2023–2024, global case counts remained elevated compared to earlier years, with hundreds of thousands to millions of cases reported worldwide in some analyses. Public health messages continue to stress routine immunization and catch-up campaigns.[8][9]
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Americas region specifics: PAHO reported a substantial rise in measles cases in 2025, with thousands of confirmed cases and multiple deaths, representing a sharp increase from the prior year and highlighting gaps in immunization coverage across countries in the region. These trends prompted regional vaccination campaigns and cross-border cooperation.[10]
If you want, I can pull the most recent official weekly updates (CDC, WHO, PAHO) and summarize current counts by state/country, plus vaccination coverage gaps in your area. Would you like a brief, sourced snapshot focused on the United States or a global/Regional view? I can also provide guidance on vaccination recommendations for travelers or local preventive actions.[7][2][8]