New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a continued rise in measles cases across the United States, with totals climbing into the 1,300–1,400+ range as of mid-to-late March 2026. Recent updates noted at least 1,362 confirmed infections, with numbers continuing to increase to 1,487 cases by March 19.
The majority of these cases are tied to outbreaks, with 14 identified so far in 2026 and approximately 94% of cases linked to outbreak activity. Measles has now been reported across roughly 30+ states, highlighting the widespread nature of the current surge. A significant driver of this trend is a large, ongoing outbreak in South Carolina, which began in late 2025 and has already resulted in hundreds of cases in 2026 alone—making it one of the largest outbreaks in the state’s history.
This follows a concerning pattern from 2025, which saw 2,285 confirmed cases and 48 outbreaks nationwide—marking a sharp increase compared to prior years.
Beyond the immediate spread, healthcare professionals are raising concerns about rare but serious long-term complications associated with measles. One such condition, Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), can develop years after infection when the virus reactivates in the brain. While rare, it is almost always fatal and is more likely to occur in children infected at a young age.
The recent surge has heightened concern that these complications could become more common over time. A large percentage of current cases involve children and adolescents, many of whom are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.
With no effective treatment for SSPE, prevention remains critical. Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection and slow the spread, reinforcing the importance of proactive public health measures.
Resources: Measles outbreaks could fuel rise in fatal complications, physicians warn – Becker’s Hospital Review
Measles Cases and Outbreaks
US measles cases creep to over 1,300. We track its spread