Measles has reemerged as a persistent public health challenge in the U.S.over the past two years — and the spread isn't slowing down.According to a Johns Hopkins University tracker that compiles local and state health data, there were 2,295 confirmed measles cases in the U.S.
as of July 22.This figure has officially surpassed the 2025 numbers, which totaled 2,286 measles cases nationwide.MEASLES-INFECTED TRAVELER MAY HAVE EXPOSED PASSENGERS AT LAX AND NEARBY HOTEL, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARNCases have been reported across the country, but concentrated outbreaks have worsened in some areas of Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Utah, Texas and Arizona.In 2025, Texas had the largest outbreak, totaling 803 cases throughout the state.Measles cases have officially surpassed 2025 numbers, which totaled 2,286 cases.
The U.S.has reported 2,295 measles cases so far in 2026.
(iStock)In the latest CDC measles update on July 17, there were 34 new outbreaks reported in 2026, compared to 48 outbreaks in 2025.Most cases were associated with local outbreaks, while some were linked to international visitors.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZBoth this year and last year, 93% of all measles patients were either unvaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), or had an unknown vaccination status, data shows.Most cases have occurred in children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 19.
There have been no deaths reported in 2026, according to the CDC, but there were three deaths in 2025.Most cases have occurred in children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 19.There have been no deaths reported in 2026, according to the CDC, but there were three deaths in 2025.
(Brandon Bell/Getty Images)The rise in cases comes more than two decades after health agencies reported that the disease was eliminated in 2000.Measles can be spread through direct contact with infectious droplets, or can be airborne when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, acco...