US records 2,318 measles cases, already surpassing 2025 total

The United States is experiencing a measles resurgence of unprecedented scale in recent decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,318 cases since the beginning of 2026, exceeding the previous year's total of 2,289 cases—itself the highest figure recorded in more than three decades—with five months of the year still remaining. This trajectory marks the worst year for measles outbreaks since 1991.

The sharp increase reflects a broader decline in vaccination coverage across the country. National vaccination rates for kindergarteners protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella dropped to 92.5 percent during the 2024–2025 school year, with steeper declines observed in specific communities. A 95 percent vaccination rate is necessary to prevent outbreaks. Major outbreaks have emerged in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona, with South Carolina reporting 997 cases in what health authorities describe as the state's largest measles outbreak in 35 years.

Dr Varun Shetty, chief epidemiologist for Texas, noted that reported case numbers likely underestimate actual infections, as they depend on individuals seeking testing and sharing information with healthcare providers. The resurgence of measles, a disease the United States had eliminated in 2000, reflects increased scepticism toward vaccination efforts. Prominent members of the Trump administration have sought to roll back vaccination programmes despite strong scientific consensus regarding their effectiveness. Young children and immunocompromised individuals face the greatest risk during outbreaks, making high community vaccination coverage essential for protection.