What to know
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- Updated on August 21, 2026. \n
- The data on this page reflect confirmed measles cases reported to CDC as of 12:00PM on Thursday. \n
![\"Map](\"http://www.cdc.gov/measles/media/images/2025/12/Measles-World-Map-Travel_update_9.12B-gradient.jpg\")
\n Measles cases in 2026
\nResources for Communities with a Measles Outbreak:
\n \nAs of August 20, 2026, 2,777 confirmed* measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026. Among these, 2,761 measles cases were reported by 47 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A total of 16 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States.
\nThere have been 36 new outbreaks** reported in 2026, and 94% of confirmed cases (2,614 of 2,777) are outbreak-associated (1,239 from outbreaks starting in 2026 and 1,375 from outbreaks that started in 2025).
\nFor the full year of 2025, a total of 2,289 confirmed* measles cases were reported in the United States. Among these, 2,263 measles cases were reported by 45 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A total of 26 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States.
\nThere were 48 outbreaks** reported in 2025, and 90% of confirmed cases (2,066 of 2,289) were outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.
\n*CDC is aware of probable measles cases being reported by jurisdictions. However, the data on this page only includes confirmed cases jurisdictions have notified to CDC.
\n**CDC reports the cumulative number of measles outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) that have occurred this year in the U.S.; states have the most up-to-date information about cases and outbreaks in their jurisdictions.
\nReal-time measles updates from states
\nFind more real-time updates of measles cases reported by:
\n \nOutbreak recommendations issued by health departments:
\n \nU.S. Cases
\n| \n | 2026To date | \n 2025Full year | \n
|---|---|---|
Total Cases | \n \n | \n |
| Age | \n\n | \n |
| \u2003Under 5 years | \n\n | \n |
| \u20035-19 years | \n\n | \n |
| \u200320+ years | \n\n | \n |
| \u2003Age unknown | \n\n | \n |
| Vaccination Status | \n\n | \n |
| \u2003Unvaccinated or Unknown | \n\n | \n |
| \u2003One MMR dose | \n\n | \n |
| \u2003Two MMR doses | \n\n | \n |
U.S. Hospitalizations
\n| \n | 2026 | \n 2025 | \n
|---|---|---|
Total Hospitalized | \n \n | \n |
| Percent of Age Group Hospitalized | \n\n | \n |
| \u2003Under 5 years | \n\n | \n |
| \u20035-19 years | \n\n | \n |
| \u200320+ years | \n\n | \n |
| \u2003Age unknown | \n\n | \n |
U.S. Deaths
\n| \n | 2026 | \n 2025 | \n
|---|---|---|
Total Deaths | \n \n | \n |
Note: The total number of cases includes cases among international visitors to the U.S.
\nWeekly measles cases by rash onset date
\n2022\u20132026* (as of August 20, 2026)
\n*2025\u20132026 case counts are preliminary and subject to change.
\nYearly measles cases
\nas of August 20, 2026
\n*2025\u20132026 case counts are preliminary and subject to change.
\nMMR vaccine coverage for kindergarteners by school year (2009\u20132026)
\nThe measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very safe and effective. When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%), most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity). However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019\u20132020 school year to 92.4% in the 2025\u20132026 school year, leaving approximately 280,000 kindergartners at risk during the 2025\u20132026 school year. To dive into vaccine coverage data for MMR, visit VaxView.
\nAt local levels, vaccine coverage rates may vary considerably, and pockets of unvaccinated people can exist in states with high vaccination coverage. When measles gets into communities of unvaccinated people in the United States, outbreaks can occur.
\nWhat to know about measles cases & outbreak data
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State, local, tribal, and territorial health departments lead measles case and outbreak investigations. States notify CDC of measles cases reported in their jurisdictions and may request appropriate assistance from CDC to help with their investigations.
\nOn this page CDC publishes:
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- National measles case counts, including the total number of measles cases reported among international visitors to the United States. Cases are assigned to a year based on the epidemiological week of the date of rash onset. For example, cases with a rash onset date occurring during the last epidemiological week of 2025 (December 28, 2025, through January 3, 2026) are included in the 2025 case counts. \n
- Demographic and clinical data using the national total. \n
- The number of confirmed measles cases among U.S. residents in each jurisdiction. \n
- The cumulative number of measles outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) that have occurred this year in the United States. \n
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State jurisdictions and CDC publicly report measles cases on their respective websites on different schedules. CDC is aware of probable measles cases being reported by jurisdictions, but updates on this webpage reflect only confirmed measles cases notified to CDC as of noon on Thursdays. States may report three or more linked cases in their state as an outbreak, but CDC may not report it as a distinct outbreak if these cases are associated with a previously reported outbreak.
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- Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. This was thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In recent years, however: \n
- U.S. national MMR coverage among kindergarteners has decreased and is now below the 95% coverage target\u2014with much lower coverage in some communities. \n
- Global measles activity is increasing, meaning more chances of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States. \n
- Measles is not a seasonal virus. However, measles is often spread over times of high travel (like spring break, summer, or during holidays) or in situations where unvaccinated persons are in close quarters (like summer camp). \n
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CDC publishes the cumulative number of measles outbreaks, defined as 3 or more related cases, that have occurred in the United States. Some states may have had multiple measles outbreaks, and a single reported multistate outbreak may have related cases reported in several states. States have the most up-to-date information about cases and ongoing outbreaks in their jurisdictions.
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Measles is very contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. While measles has been eliminated in the United States since 2000, it is still common in many parts of the world.
\nEvery year, measles is brought into the United States by travelers who get measles while they are in other countries. Travelers who are infected with measles can bring it back to the United States and spread it to other people who are not protected. These travelers are usually unvaccinated U.S. residents who travel internationally. Far less frequently, they are international visitors. Few cases this year have been reported among international visitors.
\nA measles outbreak is defined as 3 or more related cases. Most outbreaks in the United States are small, comprised of 6 people or fewer, usually within a household. When measles gets into a community that has lower vaccination rates it can spread quickly, causing larger outbreaks.
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Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, 1 dose is 93% effective. It is uncommon for someone who is vaccinated to develop measles. However, breakthrough infections (when someone becomes infected after they have been vaccinated) can occur, especially in communities experiencing an outbreak where high levels of measles virus are circulating. The number of breakthrough infections is consistent with what we have seen in previous years (approximately 10% of all measles infections).
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CDC is creating models to show how measles outbreaks could occur and spread in the United States. These models can be used to help health departments better identify communities at highest risk and manage healthcare resources.
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The purpose of this webpage is to provide timely information to the public about confirmed measles cases in the United States. The data presented on this page show the portion of reported measles cases in people that lacked documentation of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination and cases in people who had documentation of MMR vaccination, and the number of doses they received.
\nJurisdictions investigating measles cases assign 'unvaccinated' status to people with no record of MMR vaccination in the state's immunization registry. 'Unknown' vaccination status is assigned to people for whom immunization history or information is unavailable. Some jurisdictions initially report confirmed cases in these two categories combined, to more efficiently estimate the portion of the population that may not have immunity to measles.
\nCDC receives reports of confirmed measles cases from state, territorial, and other public health departments. When CDC compiles confirmed cases to publish on this page, it combines the cases in people with 'unvaccinated' status and 'unknown' vaccination status into one category. When CDC publishes detailed reports and summaries, it publishes data on unvaccinated and unknown categories separately.
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Measles is an extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness. Before the measles vaccine was introduced, an estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized and 400\u2013500 people died in the United States each year.
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The best way to protect yourself against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination, especially if planning to travel.
\nHistory of measles cases
\nMeasles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning there is no measles spreading within the country and new cases are only found when someone contracts measles abroad and returns to the country. Achieving measles elimination status in the United States was a historic public health achievement. The below figure illustrates how common measles was before vaccines and how vaccine policy enabled elimination.
\nPrevious years
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As of December 31, 2024, a total of 285 measles cases were reported in the U.S. Among these, 269 of the measles cases were reported by 32 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. A total of 16 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the U.S.
\nThere have been 16 outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) reported in 2024, and 69% of cases (198 of 285) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 4 outbreaks were reported during 2023 and 49% of cases (29 of 59) were outbreak-associated.
\n U.S. Cases in 2024Total cases 285 | \n
| Age Under 5 years: 120 (42%) 5-19 years: 88 (31%) 20+ years: 77 (27%) | \n
| Vaccination Status Unvaccinated or Unknown: 89% One MMR dose: 7% Two MMR doses: 4% | \n
U.S. Hospitalizations in 202440%40% of cases hospitalized (114 of 285) for isolation or for management of measles complications. | \n
| Percent of Age Group Hospitalized Under 5 years: 52% (62 of 120) 5-19 years: 25% (22 of 88) 20+ years: 39% (30 of 77) | \n
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From January 1 to December 31, 2023, a total of 59 measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
\n*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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From January 1 to December 31, 2022, a total of 121 measles cases were reported by 6 jurisdictions. *
\nFor more information, please see the following report:
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- Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak \u2014 Central Ohio, 2022\u20132023. MMWR. August 4, 2023 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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From January 1 to December 31, 2021, a total of 49 measles cases were reported by 5 jurisdictions. *
\nFor more information, please see the following report:
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- Public Health Actions to Control Measles Among Afghan Evacuees During Operation Allies Welcome \u2014 United States, September\u2013November 2021. MMWR. April 29, 2022 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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From January 1 to December 31, 2020, 13 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 8 jurisdictions.*
\n*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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From January 1 to December 31, 2019, 1,274 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 31 states.
\nThe majority of cases were among people who were not vaccinated against measles. Measles is more likely to spread and cause outbreaks in U.S. communities where groups of people are unvaccinated.
\nFor more information, please see the following reports:
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- Increase in Measles Cases \u2013 United States, January 1-April 26, 2019. MMWR. May 3, 2019 \n
- National Update on Measles Cases and Outbreaks \u2013 United States, January 1-October 1, 2019. MMWR. October 11, 2019 \n
- National Update on Measles Cases and Outbreaks \u2014 United States, January 1\u2013October 1, 2019. MMWR. October 11, 2019 \n
- Notes from the Field: Community Outbreak of Measles \u2014 Clark County, Washington, 2018\u20132019. MMWR. May 17, 2019 \n
- Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreaks from Imported Cases in Orthodox Jewish Communities \u2014 New York and New Jersey, 2018\u20132019. MMWR. May 17, 2019 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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From January 1 to December 31, 2018, 381 individual cases of measles were confirmed in 28 jurisdictions.*
\n*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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For more information, please see the following report:
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- Measles Outbreak \u2014 Minnesota April\u2013May 2017. MMWR. July 14, 2017 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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For more information please see the following reports:
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- Notes from the Field: Measles Outbreak at a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility \u2014 Arizona, May\u2013June 2016. MMWR. May 26, 2017 \n
- Measles Outbreak of Unknown Source \u2014 Shelby County, Tennessee, April\u2013May 2016. MMWR. September 30, 2016 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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For more information please see the following reports:
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- Measles \u2014 United States, January 4\u2013April 2, 2015. MMWR. April 17, 2015 \n
- Measles Outbreak \u2014 California, December 2014\u2013February 2015. MMWR. Feb 20, 2015 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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For more information please see the following reports:
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- Measles Outbreak in an Unvaccinated Family and a Possibly Associated International Traveler \u2014 Orange County, Florida, December 2012\u2013January 2013. MMWR. Sep 12, 2014 \n
- Notes from the Field: Measles in a Micronesian Community \u2014 King County, Washington, 2014. MMWR. Sep 12, 2014 \n
- Measles \u2014 United States, January 1\u2013May 23, 2014. MMWR May 29, 2014 \n
- Notes from the Field: Measles \u2014 California, January 1\u2013April 18, 2014. MMWR. Apr 25, 2014 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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For more information please see the following reports:
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- Measles \u2014 United States, January 1-August 24, 2013. MMWR. Sep 13, 2013 \n
- Notes from the field: Measles outbreak among members of a religious community \u2014 Brooklyn, New York, March\u2013June 2013. MMWR. Vol 62, No 36;752-3 09/13/2013 \n
- Notes from the field: Measles outbreak associated with a traveler returning from India \u2014 North Carolina, April\u2013May 2013. MMWR. Vol 62, No 36;753 \n
*Jurisdictions refer to any of the 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
\nLearn more
\nRelease Notes
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1. History of Measles Visual Update
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- The History of Measles section has been updated to include an interactive, annotated chart rather than a static image. This chart includes data from 1962 to present and will be updated each week. If accessing on a smartphone, the detailed annotations are visible in the expandable \"Annotations\" section below the chart. \n
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
\nThe information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.
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