Measles Cases Surge in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Measles cases are on the rise in the United States, sparking concern among public health officials. As of February 12, 2026, a total of 910 confirmed cases have been reported across 24 jurisdictions, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This surge underscores the importance of vaccination and swift public health responses to prevent further spread.

Current Measles Statistics (2026)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of February 12, 2026, 910 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States. These cases have been identified in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, and Wisconsin. An additional 6 cases have been reported among international visitors to the U.S.

Notably, 90% of these confirmed cases (822 of 910) are associated with outbreaks, with 62 originating in 2026 and 760 linked to outbreaks that began in 2025. Five new outbreaks have been reported in 2026.

Measles in 2025: A Historical Perspective

In 2025, the U.S. Experienced a significant measles resurgence, with a total of 2,280 confirmed cases reported across 45 jurisdictions. This included 25 cases among international visitors. A total of 49 outbreaks were reported, and 89% of cases (2,034 of 2,280) were outbreak-associated.

Symptoms and Risks of Measles

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can lead to serious health complications, particularly in young and unvaccinated children. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• A rash of red spots

The CDC reports that approximately 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalization. Complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Up to 3 in 1,000 children infected with measles may die from respiratory and neurological complications.

Prevention: The Importance of Vaccination

Measles is preventable through a highly effective vaccine. Vaccination is crucial for protecting individuals and communities from outbreaks. Public health officials emphasize the importance of ensuring children receive the recommended doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Ongoing Outbreaks and Public Health Response

While a large outbreak in West Texas was declared over in mid-August 2025, other outbreaks continue to emerge and grow across the country. The CDC is actively monitoring these cases and working with state and local health agencies to implement control measures. Secretary Kennedy recently directed the CDC to lead the nation in health readiness and response, and a CDC response team has been deployed to Texas to support state efforts.

Resources

• CDC Measles Information
• U.S. Measles Tracker (International Vaccine Access Center)
• 2025-2026 US Measles Map