US reports highest measles cases in 35 years
The gist
The CDC reported 5,182 confirmed US measles cases in 2026, the most since 1991.
State officials count eight measles deaths; the CDC's national tally is four.
How it unfolded
- Jul 21, 2026Johns Hopkins University's US measles tracker showed 2,295 cases, surpassing last year's total of 2,289 and the highest level in 35 years with more than five months left in 2026.
- Jul 24, 2026The CDC said the country had confirmed 2,318 measles cases, the highest count since 1991.
- Aug 7, 2026The CDC confirmed 94 new measles infections, most in Pennsylvania, bringing the US total for the year to 2,465.
Key terms
- CDC
- The national public health agency of the United States.
- measles
- A highly contagious viral disease causing fever, cough, and a spreading rash, preventable by vaccine.
- BMJ
- A peer-reviewed general medical journal published by the BMJ Publishing Group, owned by the British Medical Association.
Source: Wikipedia