US surpasses 2025 record number of measles infections as cases increase
The US has recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026, surpassing 2025’s total and marking the highest count since 1991.
The New York Times, AP News, Al Jazeera and The Guardian
Key points
From The Guardian’s report- CDC figures show the US recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026 so far.
- 2026 surpasses 2025's total of 2,289 cases with five months remaining.
- This year becomes the worst since 1991 for measles in the US.
- Outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona have driven the rise.
- Public health experts warn vaccination declines threaten elimination status.
Why it matters. Outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona drove the rise, while vaccination declines threaten US measles elimination status.
What to watch. Five months remain in 2026 as public health officials monitor outbreaks and vaccination rates.
Coverage
Oldest first · UTC“There are already more US measles cases this year than in all of 2025 - AP News”
Key points from AP News
- CDC logged 2,318 measles cases in 2026 as of Friday update.
- 2025 had 2,289 measles cases, previously the worst in over three decades.
- Outbreaks in Utah, South Carolina and Arizona drive 2026 surge.
- Experts warn undercounts due to incomplete surveillance and voluntary reporting.
- Vaccination rates have fallen below required 95% for herd immunity.
“US records 2,318 measles cases, already surpassing 2025 total”
Key points from Al Jazeera
- US records 2,318 measles cases in 2026, surpassing 2025 total with five months left.
- CDC update shows 2,289 measles cases in 2025, the previous high in over 30 years.
- Experts warn declining vaccination rates leave vulnerable groups, especially young children.
- Outbreaks concentrated in states like South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona mark a severe year.
- Vaccination rates for kindergartners fell to 92.5% in 2024-2025 school year.
“US surpasses 2025’s record number of measles infections as cases climb”
Key points from The Guardian
- CDC figures show the US recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026 so far.
- 2026 surpasses 2025's total of 2,289 cases with five months remaining.
- This year becomes the worst since 1991 for measles in the US.
- Outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona have driven the rise.
- Public health experts warn vaccination declines threaten elimination status.
Coverage
Oldest first · UTCSourceThe New York TimesUnited StatesLeanCenter-leftCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at The New York Times“Measles Cases Hit New Record in U.S., as Vaccination Rates Wane”
SourceAP NewsUnited StatesLeanCenterCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at AP News“There are already more US measles cases this year than in all of 2025 - AP News”
Key points from AP News
- CDC logged 2,318 measles cases in 2026 as of Friday update.
- 2025 had 2,289 measles cases, previously the worst in over three decades.
- Outbreaks in Utah, South Carolina and Arizona drive 2026 surge.
- Experts warn undercounts due to incomplete surveillance and voluntary reporting.
- Vaccination rates have fallen below required 95% for herd immunity.
SourceAl JazeeraQatarLeanCenter-leftCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at Al Jazeera“US records 2,318 measles cases, already surpassing 2025 total”
Key points from Al Jazeera
- US records 2,318 measles cases in 2026, surpassing 2025 total with five months left.
- CDC update shows 2,289 measles cases in 2025, the previous high in over 30 years.
- Experts warn declining vaccination rates leave vulnerable groups, especially young children.
- Outbreaks concentrated in states like South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona mark a severe year.
- Vaccination rates for kindergartners fell to 92.5% in 2024-2025 school year.
SourceThe GuardianUnited KingdomLeanCenter-leftCredibilityRatings: AllSides, MBFCRead at The Guardian“US surpasses 2025’s record number of measles infections as cases climb”
Key points from The Guardian
- CDC figures show the US recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026 so far.
- 2026 surpasses 2025's total of 2,289 cases with five months remaining.
- This year becomes the worst since 1991 for measles in the US.
- Outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona have driven the rise.
- Public health experts warn vaccination declines threaten elimination status.
Why it’s in the Brief
Ranked 2nd of 10.
- Starting score
- 5.0
- Public-interest topic
- +1.0
- Public-interest terms in the text
- +1.25
- High-reliability sources
- +0.75
- Corroboration by independent outlets
- +2.4
- Score
- 10.4
The ranking is the same for everyone.
Perspective mix. 3 center-left · 1 center.RatingsAllSides and Media Bias/Fact CheckLean and credibility are curated from their public ratings.Unknown outlets stay unrated, never guessed.
Blindspot. No right-leaning outlet is covering this story. Worth knowing before you make up your mind.