US measles cases soar to 35‑year high as elimination status slips

Public health experts say the United States has effectively lost its measles elimination status, with sustained domestic transmission now evident. The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy highlighted that, unlike the prior decade when most cases were imported, only 6% of measles cases in early 2026 originated abroad, indicating endemic spread.

The 2026 outbreak is on track to surpass the 35‑year record set in 1991. As of June 25, 2026 the CDC confirmed 2,134 cases, close to the 2025 total of 2,288. Over half of the cases involve children aged 5‑19, and 93% are unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. Major clusters have been reported in Utah, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Arizona. Low vaccine coverage—12.8% of kindergarteners in Utah lacking immunization—has hampered containment.

If continuous transmission continues for 12 months, the U.S. would formally lose its measles elimination designation, which requires the absence of endemic spread. Health officials warn that without rapid vaccination and control measures, the disease could remain endemic, posing serious complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis and long‑term neurological damage.