Measles Outbreak Hits 1,100 Cases—Is Your Child Safe? Shocking Facts Inside!

The United States is witnessing a troubling resurgence of measles, with the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming 160 new cases in just the past week. This brings the total number of confirmed cases for 2026 to 1,136, putting the nation on track to surpass last year’s total of 2,281 by springtime. The alarming rise in infections marks a return to measles levels not seen since the early 1990s, a period that prompted coordinated vaccination campaigns to increase coverage of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. These efforts had successfully led to the United States achieving measles-elimination status in 2001, a designation the country now risks losing.

Historically, measles cases dropped significantly from 9,643 in 1991 to 2,200 in 1992 following heightened vaccine uptake, remaining low for over three decades. However, the situation reversed dramatically last year as federal officials downplayed both the impact of the disease and the necessity of the MMR vaccine. The CDC's recent update indicated that 1,130 of the new cases are concentrated in 27 states and New York City, while six are attributed to travel. The agency has reported three new outbreaks in 2026, contributing to a total of ten outbreaks involving 152 patients, a stark comparison to the 50 outbreaks recorded in 2025.

Among the total confirmed cases this year, 24% involve children younger than 5 years, and a staggering 81% are in individuals aged 19 and under. Only 4% of patients have received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine, while 92% are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. While 5% of those infected have required hospitalization, this is a decrease from 11% last year. Fortunately, there have been no reported measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year, following three fatalities in 2025.

Regional Outbreaks and Responses

Florida is currently experiencing one of the most significant increases in cases. Although the state health department does not regularly provide updates, media reports indicate 114 cases, with the CDC documenting 107 on its measles map—an increase of 43 cases since last week. Among these, Collier County, which is home to a measles outbreak linked to Ave Maria University, has reported 83 cases, marking a 17-case jump in just one week.

“Vaccination continues to be the best way to prevent measles and stop this outbreak,”

echoes health officials across the nation. Meanwhile, South Carolina, the hardest-hit state, appears to be experiencing a slight reprieve, with only six new cases reported in the past three days, bringing its total to 986 for an outbreak that began last October. The South Carolina Department of Public Health noted that 61 individuals remain in quarantine, and 2 in isolation, following recent exposures at four schools and a Costco in Spartanburg.

The outbreak in South Carolina is particularly concentrated in Spartanburg County, where 94% of cases (928) have been reported. As officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, the state continues to navigate this public health crisis.

In Texas, health officials confirmed 17 measles infections in El Paso, including 13 cases at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. Although the city’s health department has no jurisdiction over the facility, they have offered testing support and provided vaccines for health care providers working there. Additionally, public health officials in Columbus, Ohio, are investigating six new cases, five of which involve unvaccinated children aged one to five. Notably, potential exposures occurred at John Glenn International Airport on February 18, raising concerns as the city had only seen seven measles cases throughout 2025.

Utah has also recorded a surge, with a total of 319 cases reported this week, marking an increase of 19 cases from the previous week. Arizona, meanwhile, has documented six new infections, bringing its total for the year to 55.

This resurgence not only threatens public health but also highlights the critical role of vaccination in preventing outbreaks. As the CDC continues to monitor the situation, health officials are urging Americans to stay informed and ensure that they and their children are vaccinated to protect against this highly contagious disease.