Measles Cases Surge in the U.S., Approaching a 20-Year High

The United States is experiencing a significant resurgence of measles, with 982 confirmed cases reported in 2026 as of February 19th, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks a substantial increase compared to the same period last year and represents the largest single measles outbreak in a generation.

Current Outbreak Status

As of February 20, 2026, measles cases have been reported in 26 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Six additional cases have been identified in international visitors to the U.S.

Seven new outbreaks have been reported in 2026, with 89% of confirmed cases (870 of 982) linked to ongoing outbreaks that began in 2025 or 2026.

South Carolina at the Epicenter

South Carolina is currently experiencing the most severe impact, with 973 cases of measles reported, primarily centered in Spartanburg County, as of February 20, 2026. The majority of these cases are close contacts of known infections, but the number of public exposure sites indicates widespread community circulation. At least 20 hospitalizations have been reported in the state.

Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through coughing and sneezing. An infected person is contagious four days before and after the appearance of a rash, meaning they can spread the virus before knowing they are sick. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

Symptoms and Complications

Initial symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by a rash that typically lasts 5-6 days. Complications can be severe, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. These complications are most common in children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Prevention: The Importance of Vaccination

The most effective protection against measles is vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The CDC and the South Carolina Department of Public Health strongly recommend vaccination to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.

2025 Measles Statistics

For the full year of 2025, a total of 2,281 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States across 45 jurisdictions. 49 outbreaks were reported, and 89% of cases were associated with these outbreaks.