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3 clusters · 29 sources · 13 days · First seen 15 days ago · Last updated 2 days ago

Categories: HEALTH

US measles cases hit 35‑year high, South Carolina surge

Entities: Biotech researchers · United States · South Carolina · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Overview

The measles resurgence that began with July 2025 walk‑in clinics in Wyoming has continued to spread throughout North America. By July 2026 the United States recorded 2,295 confirmed cases – surpassing the total reported for the entire previous year and representing the highest annual tally in 35 years. Roughly 93 % of infections involve individuals without documented two‑dose MMR protection, and the CDC has identified 34 distinct outbreaks across the country.

Major spikes remain in California’s Bay Area (52 cases, many among children and young adults), with additional clusters in Delaware’s Kent County, Montgomery County, Texas, Clark County, Washington, and an isolated case in Alabama. State health departments are intensifying contact‑tracing, urging residents to verify vaccination status and to receive MMR before travel.

A new report on 28 July 2026 shows the national total rising to 2,318 confirmed cases for the year, driven largely by a pronounced outbreak in South Carolina where nearly 1,000 cases have been confirmed. The state has seen 151 hospitalizations, including 45 children under five, and three measles‑related deaths. Public‑health officials attribute the surge to vaccination coverage falling below the 95 % herd‑immunity threshold. Researchers are accelerating development of monoclonal‑antibody therapies to provide temporary protection for infants, immunocompromised patients and other high‑risk groups while routine immunization efforts are restored.

The surge threatens the United States’ measles‑elimination certification, declared in 2000, and a review by the Pan American Health Organization later this year could lead to revocation. Parallel increases in Canada – which lost its elimination status – and rising case numbers in Mexico heighten regional concerns and underscore the need for coordinated vaccination campaigns.

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] U.S. measles cases reached a 35‑year high in 2026 with 2,318 confirmed infections. (CDC data)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The United States recorded 2,289 measles cases in 2025, the previous record high. (CDC data)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Monoclonal‑antibody therapies are being developed to provide temporary protection for infants and immunocompromised people during the measles outbreak. (Biotech research reports)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Three measles‑related deaths occurred in the United States last year. (CDC data)
[○ 1 SOURCE] There have been 151 hospitalizations from measles this year, including 45 children under age five. (CDC data)
[○ 1 SOURCE] South Carolina recorded at least 997 confirmed measles cases during the outbreak. (CDC data)
[○ 1 SOURCE] U.S. measles vaccination rates have fallen below the 95 % herd‑immunity threshold needed to prevent spread. (Public health analysis)

Timeline

2 days ago

[HEALTH] 4 sources
United States measles cases reach 35‑year high
U.S. measles cases hit a 35‑year high in 2026 with 2,318 infections, prompting hospitalizations, deaths, and accelerated development of monoclonal‑antibody therapies.
9 days ago

[HEALTH] 24 sources
US measles cases hit 35‑year high, threatening elimination status
US measles cases reach a 35‑year high of 2,295 in 2026, with 93 % unvaccinated, threatening the country's elimination status and prompting nationwide vaccination drives.
15 days ago

[HEALTH] 2 sources
Measles outbreak spurs vaccination clinics in Teton County, WY and ID
A measles outbreak in Teton County, spanning Wyoming and Idaho, led to a free walk‑in MMR clinic for young children and confirmed a vaccinated adult case in Idaho, prompting officials to urge vaccination checks

Sources

6abc.com · almanacnews.com · atolltimes.mv · bluebonnetnews.com · buckrail.com · dailypilot.com · danvillesanramon.com · democrats.org · flightess.com · independent.co.uk · it-boltwise.de · kulturogborgerhus.vallensbaek.dk · localnews8.com · mc.dk · memesita.com · msnbc.com · mv-voice.com · nanaimobulletin.com · news.delaware.gov · prensadehouston.com · revistaepoca.globo.com · rfi.fr · rwcpulse.com · sciencepost.fr · thebaynet.com · themirror.com · victoriabuzz.com · weisradio.com · womenshealthmag.com