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Global measles resurgence
Measles infections are increasing globally and within the United States as routine childhood vaccination coverage declines.
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On November 7, by 13:26 UTC, the United States recorded 5,182 confirmed cases of measles so far in 2026, marking the highest annual total in 35 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the updated official count on Friday, showing the disease has more than doubled the 2,289 cases reported throughout 2025. The current outbreak represents the highest number of infections reported by the federal health agency since 1991.
Unvaccinated individuals or those with an unknown vaccination status account for 96 percent of the infections, with children and teenagers making up nearly 60 percent of the total. State health authorities have reported at least eight measles-related deaths this year, including fatalities among very young children. Public health experts and pediatricians attribute the rapid spread to localized pockets of vaccine exemptions and growing public distrust of health authorities.
How the story developed
Between 1990 and 2019, global measles cases experienced a nearly 80 percent decline. In 2000, the United States achieved measles elimination status following decades of widespread immunization.
In 2019, global measles cases stood at 11.1 million. Following pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, approximately 23.7 million infants worldwide missed their first routine measles vaccine dose in 2023.
By 2023, global measles cases surged by 40 percent to an estimated 15.6 million. The decline in routine immunizations eroded decades of public health progress and sparked major outbreaks in both low-resource regions and high-income nations.
By mid-October, the United States reported 4,410 confirmed measles cases, driven by falling kindergarten vaccination rates. Health officials emphasize that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are 97 percent effective at preventing the illness, which typically causes fever, respiratory symptoms, and a characteristic skin rash, but can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death.
What to watch
- Whether the United States will maintain its measles elimination status, which is jeopardized by the current resurgence.
- The actual number of measles infections across the United States, which a former FDA chief warned is likely being underreported.
Where things stand
US Measles Cases Top 5,100 in 2026, Hitting 35-Year High
Key point: The United States has recorded 5,182 measles cases so far in 2026, the highest annual total since 1991, driven by declining vaccination rates.
AIIllustration: Millions of infants missed routine measles vaccinations during the pandemic, eroding global herd immunity.From: Global Measles Cases Surge 40 Percent as Post-Pandemic Childhood Vaccination Rates Plummet The United States has recorded 5,182 confirmed cases of measles so far in 2026, marking the highest annual total in 35 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the updated official count on Friday, showing the highly contagious disease has more than doubled the 2,289 cases reported throughout 2025. The current outbreak represents the highest number of infections reported by the federal health agency since 1991.
Unvaccinated individuals or those with an unknown vaccination status account for 96% of the infections, with children and teenagers making up nearly 60% of the total. State health authorities have reported at least eight measles-related deaths this year, including fatalities among very young children. Meanwhile, a former FDA chief warned that the actual number of infections is likely being underreported across the country.
The resurgence jeopardizes the country's measles elimination status, a milestone that was achieved in 2000 following decades of widespread immunization. Public health experts and pediatricians attribute the rapid spread to declining childhood vaccination rates, localized pockets of vaccine exemptions, and growing public distrust of health authorities. Some medical professionals have expressed alarm over the preventable nature of the fatalities and the disproportionate burden falling on children.
Measles is a highly transmissible viral infection that typically causes fever, respiratory symptoms, and a characteristic skin rash. In more serious cases, the disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation, potentially resulting in lasting health problems or death. Health officials emphasize that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the illness.
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Timeline
November 2026
Measles infections are increasing globally and within the United States as routine childhood vaccination coverage declines.
- US Measles Cases Top 5,100 in 2026, Hitting 35-Year HighKey point: The United States has recorded 5,182 measles cases so far in 2026, the highest annual total since 1991, driven by declining vaccination rates.
October 2026
Global Measles Cases Surge 40 Percent as Post-Pandemic Childhood Vaccination Rates Plummet
