Measles cases have reached a 35-year high

Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a 35-year high, surpassing 2025 totals with 2,318 confirmed cases as of July 23, 2026. Most cases are among unvaccinated individuals under 20, and 44 states and D.C. are affected. Declining vaccination rates below the 95% threshold for herd immunity have contributed to outbreaks, with states like South Carolina and Utah reporting the most cases.