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Measles cases across the U.S. have surpassed 1,100 in the first two months of 2026, according to new data published on Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of Thursday, data shows there were 1,136 cases of measles — which is six times higher than what’s normal for an entire year.
US Measles cases surpass 1,100 so far in 2026 as outbreaks spread, health experts warn (Screenshot from video courtesy of CNN Newsource){ }
The CDC said the cases were reported by the following 28 jurisdictions:
The CDC said measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems. The most common complications include pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs, as well as encephalitis, or the swelling of the brain.
In some cases, it can be deadly.
US Measles cases surpass 1,100 so far in 2026 as outbreaks spread, health experts warn (Screenshot from video courtesy of CNN Newsource){ }
The agency said about one in five unvaccinated people in the U.S. who gets measles is hospitalized, while one out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
The CDC also said about one child out of every 1,000 who gets measles will develop encephalitis, which can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.
“Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications,” the agency said.
Health officials said 10 new outbreaks have been reported in 2026. Roughly 90% of confirmed cases this year — 1,023 out of 1,136 — are associated with outbreaks. That includes 152 cases linked to outbreaks that began in 2026 and 871 tied to outbreaks that started in 2025.
The figures follow a significant surge in 2025, when 2,281 confirmed measles cases were reported nationwide. Of those, 2,256 were reported across 45 jurisdictions. Twenty-five additional cases were identified among international visitors.
Fifty outbreaks were recorded in 2025, with about 90% of cases connected to outbreak clusters. By comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported in 2024, and 69% of that year’s cases were outbreak-related.
The CDC said symptoms appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus. Symptoms include:
Health officials continue to monitor outbreak clusters and urge vaccination as the most effective way to prevent infection and limit the spread of the virus.
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