U.S. Nears 1,000 Measles Cases As Outbreaks Spread
CDC reports 982 measles cases in 2026; large outbreaks in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona raise concerns about vaccine hesitancy and policy changes.
Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 982 measles cases in 2026, which is more than four times the number at this time last year.
Large outbreaks are concentrated in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona, and 26 states have reported cases so far this year.
South Carolina state epidemiologists said the outbreak has led to at least 20 hospitalizations, and the state is offering free MMR vaccinations at mobile clinics.
Florida has reported 92 cases, including 66 in Collier County, and reporting indicates 2025 had between 2,267 and 2,281 confirmed measles cases.
Public health experts warned that vaccine hesitancy and recent changes to vaccination recommendations could leave the U.S. vulnerable to other vaccine-preventable infections.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a public health warning that vaccine hesitancy is driving outbreaks. They use urgent evaluative language ("worrying", "incredibly contagious"), foreground experts and epidemiological data, highlight anecdotal harms, and emphasize prevention measures—while giving limited space to skeptical perspectives, increasing pressure for vaccination.
Sources (5)
FAQ
As of February 19, 2026, the CDC has confirmed 982 measles cases in the United States.
South Carolina has the most with 632 cases, followed by Utah (117), Florida (64), Arizona (36), and Washington (24).
94% of patients have been unvaccinated or have unknown vaccine status.
2026 has 982 cases so far, more than four times the number at this time last year, with 2025 totaling 2,281 cases.
There have been 7 new outbreaks reported in 2026, with 89% of cases outbreak-associated.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.