US measles outbreak expands in Utah and Washington in 2026

Doctors in Utah are confronting a prolonged measles outbreak that has infected more than 950 people across the state and northern Arizona since August 2025. The surge forced health officials to shift from containment to mitigation, with newborns and unvaccinated children facing severe complications. Pediatricians report emotional strain as they treat cases in communities with low vaccination coverage.

In Washington, 33 confirmed cases have been recorded in 2026, the highest annual total since the disease was declared eliminated. The outbreak is linked to high non‑medical exemption rates in several school districts, where exemptions exceed 5 % and in some pockets rise above 10‑20 %. Public‑health officials warn that these gaps, combined with international travel, heighten the risk of further spread and recommend full two‑dose MMR vaccination for school entry.