U.S. measles cases are now close to matching last year's full-year total, according to CDC data updated July 10, 2026. The agency reported 2,231 confirmed cases as of July 9, compared with 2,289 confirmed cases for all of 2025.

The gap is now 58 cases, which matters because measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 and outbreaks are still spreading through pockets of lower vaccination coverage. CDC says 32 outbreaks have been reported so far in 2026, and 93% of confirmed cases this year are outbreak-associated.

What changed

The latest CDC update shows cases reported by 42 U.S. jurisdictions, plus 13 cases among international visitors. CDC also says states and local health departments may have newer figures than the national page because they report on different schedules.

CIDRAP, summarizing the same CDC update, said the agency added 61 cases in the latest weekly count and noted Virginia as a growing hotspot. Johns Hopkins' U.S. measles tracker also frames the current pattern as mostly local transmission rather than imported cases alone.

What to check first

  • Vaccination records: CDC says two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is 93% effective.
  • Local health alerts: State and county health departments may post exposure sites, school guidance, or outbreak updates before national data changes.
  • Travel plans: CDC says measles often spreads during high-travel periods, including summer travel, camps, and holidays.
  • Symptoms after exposure: Fever and rash after a known exposure should be handled through a healthcare provider or local health department before showing up in a waiting room.

Why it matters

Measles spreads through the air and can linger in a room after an infected person leaves. CDC says outbreaks can grow quickly when measles enters communities with clusters of unvaccinated people, even if statewide vaccination rates look stronger.

National kindergarten MMR coverage has fallen from 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year to 92.5% in 2024-2025, according to CDC. The agency estimates that left about 286,000 kindergartners at risk during the 2024-2025 school year.

What happens next

The next national CDC update will show whether 2026 passes the full 2025 case total. Until then, the most useful step is local: check official exposure notices where you live or plan to travel, confirm vaccination records, and ask a healthcare professional about catch-up vaccination if records are missing or incomplete.