In 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in measles cases across the United States. There were more than 1,700 cases by April. The rising number of measles cases in the United States has become a growing public health concern. Furthermore, experts believe that the rise in measles cases in the United States is closely tied to lower vaccination rates. Moreover, the CDC has noted that rising measles cases threaten progress made since the disease was eliminated in 2000.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,714 confirmed measles cases across the United States as of April 9, 2026. Most infections involve U.S. residents. Additionally, health officials have identified cases in 33 states. This reflects the upward trend of measles cases rising in the United States this year.
The report revealed that 1,704 cases occurred among U.S. residents, whereas 10 cases occurred among travelers visiting the United States. Furthermore, the CDC has identified 17 measles outbreaks in 2026, part of a pattern of rising measles cases.
In addition, the report stated that outbreaks account for most infections. Approximately 94 percent of confirmed cases, equivalent to 1,609 infections, occur in outbreaks. Therefore, this contributes to the rise in measles cases in the United States.
Healthcare professionals continue to stress the importance of vaccination to curb the disease’s transmission. The MMR vaccine is currently the best option for protecting against the disease. As a result, increased vaccination could help slow the rising cases of measles nationwide.
Over the last few years, the vaccination rate among kindergarten children has significantly decreased. From 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year, it dropped to 92.5% in the 2024-2025 academic year. As a consequence, an estimated 286,000 children in kindergarten would be susceptible to the disease. This situation underscores concerns about the rising number of measles cases.
The CDC also reminded the public that the United States eliminated measles in 2000, which means the disease no longer spreads continuously in the country. According to this information, measles ceased to be endemic in the country. However, travelers from countries where measles remains common can still bring the virus into the United States. Such imported cases can trigger outbreaks. Especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
Healthcare practitioners urge people to vaccinate to prevent further rising measles cases in the United States.
