US had record-breaking year for measles. It may be the start of a deadly comeback
KSL News • • health
Key Points:
- The United States has experienced continuous measles outbreaks over the past year, with more than 2,200 confirmed cases in 2025 and over 171 cases reported in the first two weeks of 2026, threatening the country's measles elimination status held since 2000.
- Texas saw the largest outbreak in decades with over 760 cases and two child deaths before declaring it over in August; other significant outbreaks are ongoing in South Carolina and along the Utah-Arizona border.
- Over 95% of measles cases occurred in individuals not vaccinated with the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine, highlighting challenges with vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination coverage, especially among school-aged children.
- Experts warn that the U.S. public health
