Measles cases hit 35-year high as vaccination rates fall below immunity threshold
Measles cases hit 35-year high amid vaccination rates falling below herd immunity protection level.
Event / Health
US Measles Outbreak 2026
Measles resurgence in the United States with emergency declarations and expanded vaccination authority, reaching nearly 3,900 cases in 2026, the worst year since 1991.
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13 articles0 articles
2026-08-02 to 2026-10-30 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 26 Jul, 01:53 UTC
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What happened
MMR vaccination rate among US kindergarteners drops below herd immunity threshold
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released figures showing that 92.4% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles during the 2025-2026 school year, down from 95.2% in 2019-2020. This falls below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity.
Measles cases in US reach highest level in 35 years
The United States is experiencing measles cases at their highest levels in 35 years, prompting the Trump administration to encourage parents to vaccinate their children against the disease.
Hospital Insurance Trust Fund projected to become insolvent in 6-7 years
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projects that the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will become insolvent in approximately six to seven years, which would trigger an automatic 11% cut in Medicare benefits.
Separate MMR vaccines not currently available on US market
Separate versions of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are not currently available on the United States market. While the MMR vaccine is offered as separate shots in some other countries, any domestic approval would require FDA clearance.
Dr. Mehmet Oz states MMR vaccine is not lethal
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that the MMR vaccine is not a lethal vaccine, directly contradicting President Trump's recent claims about the combined vaccine.
Trump signs executive order to split MMR vaccine into separate shots
President Trump signed an executive order on August 10 directing that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine be administered as three separate shots rather than the current combined vaccine. Trump claimed without evidence that the combined vaccine could be lethal if not separated.
Trump administration requests states allow vaccine exemptions based on religious or other beliefs
The Trump administration, through the executive order, is requesting that states offer parents exemptions from the combined MMR vaccine schedule based on religious beliefs or other reasons, allowing parents to choose the timing of their children's vaccinations.
Virginia health department issues advisory recommending unvaccinated residents avoid large gatherings
The Virginia Department of Health issued an advisory in June 2026 recommending unvaccinated people avoid large gatherings, crowded settings, and community events in outbreak areas until the outbreak subsides, specifically mentioning the Amish Parochial School Consignment Auction.
US measles cases reach 2,318 by mid-2026, exceeding full-year 2025 total
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logged 2,318 confirmed measles cases in the United States as of mid-2026, surpassing the 2,289 cases reported during all of 2025. This marks the highest annual total since 1991, with more than five months remaining in the year.
International health officials to assess US measles elimination status in November 2026
International health officials will meet in November 2026 to determine whether the United States and Mexico have lost their measles-free status. The assessment will be informed by ongoing outbreaks, including one along the Utah-Arizona border that has persisted for more than a year.
35 new measles outbreaks reported across US in 2026
Thirty-five new measles outbreaks were reported in 2026, with all but seven states reporting at least one measles case. Over 90% of confirmed cases were among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
San Francisco reports measles cases requiring majority of contact tracing staff
The San Francisco Department of Public Health activated the vast majority of its case investigators for contact tracing interviews following exposures from just two measles cases in April 2026. The department's medical director stated the department could not handle more than one measles case without calling in additional staff.
More measles cases recorded in 18 months than previous 25 years combined
More measles cases have been recorded in the United States during the 18-month period spanning late 2024 through mid-2026 than in the previous 25 years combined since measles was eliminated in 2000.
Utah-Arizona measles outbreak simmering for more than one year with 522+ cases
A measles outbreak along the Utah-Arizona state line has persisted for more than a year, with Utah reporting 522 cases as of mid-2026. Mathematical modeling indicates the actual outbreak size could be three to four times larger than officially recorded cases.
Virginia health department establishes presence at Amish auction to promote measles vaccination
The Virginia health department reached an agreement to have staff present at an Amish Parochial School Consignment Auction known to attract large crowds from across the state to promote measles education, testing, and vaccination in June 2026.
Measles vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners declined to 92.5% in 2024-25 school year
MMR vaccine coverage among kindergarten students fell to 92.5% during the 2024-25 school year, down from 95.2% in 2019-20. Health experts maintain that approximately 95% coverage is required for herd immunity to prevent widespread measles transmission.
South Carolina church hosts mobile vaccination clinics in response to measles outbreak
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg in South Carolina hosted mobile vaccination clinics after being impacted by measles exposure during their Christmas brunch event in response to the community outbreak.
Measles cases in Virginia outbreak centered in Buckingham County exceed 150
A measles outbreak centered in Buckingham County, Virginia, approximately one hour west of Richmond, has resulted in more than 150 confirmed cases as of mid-2026. This represents nearly a typical annual caseload for the entire nation since measles elimination was declared in 2000.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania measles outbreak reports 100+ cases, all unvaccinated
A measles outbreak in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has resulted in more than 100 reported cases in 2026, with none of the infected individuals having received both recommended doses of the MMR vaccine. The state health department issued guidance that vaccination provides 97% lifetime protection after two doses.
Pennsylvania health department administers hundreds of MMR doses through pop-up clinics
The Pennsylvania state health department administered hundreds of MMR doses over a two-month period through dozens of pop-up clinics in response to ongoing measles outbreaks, particularly in Lancaster County.
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2 alternative perspectives
States deploy targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk communities
State health departments deploy pop-up clinics and community outreach to vaccinate vulnerable populations amid ongoing measles resurgence.
Spartanburg County measles outbreak approaches 1,000 cases as vaccination efforts intensify
South Carolina's Spartanburg County measles outbreak reaches nearly 1,000 cases; churches launch vaccination clinics.
Measles cases surge as vaccination coverage drops to 92.5%
Measles cases surge as vaccination coverage falls to 92.5% among US kindergarteners.