US measles cases reach 35-year high, for second record-breaking year in a row
US Measles Cases Reach 35 Year High as Outbreaks Continue
Earthguardiansonline.com – The United States is facing its most severe measles crisis in over three decades, with US measles cases reach 35 year high levels for the second consecutive year. Health authorities have confirmed that infection numbers have surpassed all previous records, with more than 2,318 cases documented through mid-2026. This unprecedented surge has eclipsed even the record-breaking 2025 season, which saw nearly 2,300 infections—approximately twelve times the normal annual average.
Despite measles being officially eliminated from American communities in 2000, the past eighteen months have produced more infections than the entire twenty-five-year period following elimination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to receive weekly reports of dozens of new cases while managing multiple large-scale outbreaks that have persisted since last year.
South Carolina Emerges as Epicenter
South Carolina has become the state with the highest measles case count in 2026, driven largely by a devastating outbreak that began in Spartanburg County last October. Before subsiding in April, the infection affected nearly 1,000 individuals, making it the largest American measles outbreak witnessed in decades.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, led by Reverend Scott Neely, found itself at the geographic heart of this crisis. State health officials contacted Neely on the first Friday of 2026 after contact tracing revealed an infected person had attended the church’s yearly Christmas brunch. Without an attendance roster—since the gathering operated as a volunteer-led potluck—church leadership scrambled to identify attendees using photographs of the room.
“This was a strange experience of how segmented our society is,” Neely reflected. “An outbreak was garnering national attention right where I live but having almost no immediate impact on me. That’s not about lack of care or lack of awareness. It is about a kind of separation, isolation, and the way that we’re all living.”
Why US Measles Cases Reach 35 Year High
Declining vaccination coverage has allowed measles to outpace containment efforts across multiple regions. The vast majority of infections occur among young people, and nearly every single case involves someone who has not received the vaccine. Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasized the preventable nature of this crisis.
“This essentially is a public health failure, and it’s avoidable,” stated Dr. Andrew Racine.
Reverend Neely credited the church’s high vaccination rate for containing transmission within that single event. He noted that while there was anxiety and some disagreement, the outcome demonstrated that vaccinations work and cooperative spirit gets communities through these challenges.
Neely’s phone call represented merely one of thousands made by public health workers throughout 2026. As US measles cases reach 35 year records, officials are urging communities to prioritize vaccination and prepare for potential continued outbreaks. The current year has already exceeded last year’s total with more than five months remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 2026 a record year for measles?
With at least 2,318 cases documented through mid-2026, the United States has surpassed the previous record set in 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking numbers, with infection rates higher than any period since 1991.
Who is most at risk for measles infection?
The vast majority of infections occur among young people who have not received the measles vaccine. Nearly every single case involves someone unvaccinated, making vaccination status the primary risk factor.
How is South Carolina affected compared to other states?
South Carolina leads the nation in 2026 measles cases, with the Spartanburg County outbreak alone affecting nearly 1,000 individuals. The outbreak began in October 2025 and continued into 2026, contributing significantly to the national record.
Is the current outbreak preventable?
According to Dr. Andrew Racine of the American Academy of Pediatrics, this is essentially a public health failure that is avoidable. The crisis stems largely from declining vaccination coverage in certain communities.
For more information on measles prevention and vaccination schedules, visit CNN Health or the CDC measles page.
