The United States has recorded more than 4,500 measles cases so far in 2026, the highest total in more than 30 years, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data tracked by CBS News.
The count overtook the whole of 2025, itself a recent record with 2,289 confirmed cases, by mid-July. Pennsylvania reported its first two measles deaths in 35 years in August, both in unvaccinated people in Lancaster County, and further deaths followed. The continuing outbreaks put at risk the country's measles elimination status, held since 2000.
Health experts blame falling vaccination rates. CDC figures show 92.4 per cent of kindergarten children had the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in the 2025-26 school year, down from 95.2 per cent in 2019-20, and only ten states reached the 95 per cent level needed for community protection.
Source: CBS News
