Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year

So far in 2026, the U.S. has recorded the most measles cases in more than three decades as outbreaks spread in multiple states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By mid-July, the number had already surpassed all of 2025, which had been the worst year in recent history with more than 2,200 confirmed cases. By October, the number of cases topped 4,500.Ongoing outbreaks have put the U.S. at risk of losing its official measles elimination status, which it has held since 2000. In August, health officials in Pennsylvania reported the state's first two deaths connected to measles in 35 years, both in Lancaster County. Both of the individuals were not vaccinated against the virus, state health officials said.

Several more deaths associated with measles were later reported as the state's outbreak surged.Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. In some cases, it can cause severe infections in the lungs and brain that can lead to cognitive issues, deafness or death. But it can be prevented by vaccination, which medical research has proven to be safe and highly effective.The CBS News data team has tracked confirmed measles cases nationwide as new data is released by state health departments and the CDC. Out of the 2,289 confirmed cases last year, more than 750 were connected