Measles cases have reached a 35-year high

Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a 35-year high, surpassing 2025's totals with 2,318 confirmed cases as of July 23, 2026, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals. Cases are concentrated in 44 states and DC, with South Carolina and Utah reporting the most cases, driven by declining vaccination rates below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.