Measles infections in the U.S. are rising sharply in 2026, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 1,281 cases so far—a jump of 145 cases since the last update. If trends continue, the total could surpass 2025’s 2,258 cases.
Most infections occur in children and young adults under 19, with the majority of patients either unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination status. States including Texas and Utah are current hot spots, and 12 measles outbreaks have been confirmed nationwide.
The CDC continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination and monitoring to prevent further spread.