Delaware
Measles Cases Surge in the U.S. Amid Declining Vaccination Rates
Measles cases this year have surpassed all of 2025 to become the worst since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with cases now in 44 states and the District of Columbia, according to a federal report released Friday. There…
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Key points
- Measles cases have reached a 35-year high with over 2,300 confirmed cases.
- Vaccination rates are declining, particularly in states with significant outbreaks.
- Experts warn that low vaccination coverage may lead to further spread of measles.
NewsWK — Recent data indicates that measles cases have reached their highest level in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases reported as of July 23, 2026. This number exceeds the total cases recorded in 2025 and marks the worst outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. Infection rates are particularly concerning, as cases have been documented in 44 states and the District of Columbia.
The ongoing outbreak is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates across the nation, with 93% of cases occurring among unvaccinated individuals, primarily those under the age of 20. Although hospitalizations have decreased this year, with 151 cases compared to 243 last year, the potential for spreading the disease remains significant.
States reporting the highest number of cases include South Carolina (670), Utah (522), Texas (188), Virginia (176), and Pennsylvania (134). Notably, these states have childhood vaccination rates below the 95% threshold deemed necessary to prevent outbreaks. Virginia, while having a statewide vaccination rate of 95.6%, is experiencing outbreaks in rural counties with rates below 75%.
Oklahoma‘s vaccination rate stands at 88.7%, and the state recorded only one case this year following 20 cases last year. In response, a foundation has deployed a mobile health van to administer vaccinations to thousands of children across the state. Meanwhile, Delaware has declared a new outbreak, marking its first measles cases in a decade with five reported cases in a matter of days.
Dr. William Moss, director of the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins University, stated, “High vaccination coverage has protected even the unvaccinated and undervaccinated because of herd protection, keeping measles at bay for the past few decades. But in communities with pockets of susceptible individuals across a broad age range, measles has been able to take hold, infecting those who are susceptible and spreading rapidly.” The Pan American Health Organization is set to reevaluate the U.S. measles status in November, potentially considering revoking its elimination status.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Tim Henderson originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
