According to data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States recorded 3,134 confirmed measles cases as the nationwide total climbed amid declining childhood vaccination coverage. The total already surpassed the 2,289 confirmed cases reported for the whole of 2025, marking the highest annual number recorded in the country since 1991.
Understanding the 2026 Measles Surge and Hospitalization Rates
Public health officials continue tracking the rapid spread of the virus across multiple jurisdictions. Of the cases reported, 3,118 were identified across 47 U.S. jurisdictions, while 16 cases involved international visitors. Hospitalization rates reflect the severity of the illness, with 248 people hospitalized, accounting for about 8 percent of confirmed cases. Furthermore, the CDC documented 38 measles outbreaks so far this year.
Did you know? Community immunity requires more than 95 percent of people in a community to be vaccinated to protect vulnerable populations who cannot receive shots.
Declining Kindergarten Vaccination Coverage Rates
The primary driver behind the rising numbers is a drop in routine immunizations. Data from the CDC shows that during the 2025-2026 school year, immunization coverage against measles among American kindergartners dropped to 92.4 percent, registering a decrease from the 95.2 percent recorded during the 2019-2020 school year. This decline means about 280,000 kindergartners lacked documentation of completing the required vaccine series.
Unvaccinated populations bear the heaviest burden of the current transmission. About 94 percent of confirmed cases involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, according to the CDC. To ensure optimal defense against the virus, the agency advises individuals to receive two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Pro Tip: Check your family’s immunization records and consult a pediatrician to ensure children have received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine before entering school or group childcare settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best protection against measles?
The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best protection against the virus.
How many measles cases were recorded recently?
The U.S. recorded 3,134 confirmed measles cases, surpassing the total from 2025 and marking the highest annual number since 1991, according to the CDC.
What percentage of measles cases involved unvaccinated individuals?
About 94 percent of confirmed cases involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
What is the current kindergarten vaccination rate?
Approximately 280,000 children starting kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year lacked records of finishing the MMR series as overall measles immunization coverage among U.S. kindergartners declined to 92.4 percent.
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