Measles Cases Surge in US with Over 2,500 Infections Reported in 2026

The United States is experiencing a significant resurgence of measles in 2026, with over 2,566 confirmed cases reported as of August 13, surpassing the total number of cases recorded in all of 2025, which was 2,289. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 94% of the cases this year are linked to 38 distinct outbreaks, with an outbreak defined as three or more related cases. Some outbreaks began in 2025 and have continued into 2026, contributing to the ongoing spread.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, meaning there was no continuous transmission of the virus within the country. However, the virus can be reintroduced by travelers infected abroad, and it spreads rapidly in communities with insufficient vaccination coverage. Measles is highly contagious, transmitted through respiratory droplets, and symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals.

In Israel, the Ministry of Health is monitoring measles closely amid the global resurgence. Updated guidelines issued in 2026 recommend advancing vaccination schedules in outbreak areas and before international travel. Vaccination against measles is part of the routine combined MMR vaccine in Israel. The ministry has also set up vaccination centers offering shots without prior appointments. With the school year approaching, health officials emphasize the importance of ensuring children are fully vaccinated to prevent outbreaks in crowded educational settings.

The US data highlights how quickly measles can reestablish itself even in countries where it was previously eliminated, underscoring the critical need for maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health.