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Why are measles cases rising in the US? 2026 outbreak hits highest level in decades
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- In 2026, the U.S. has confirmed over 2,200 measles cases nationwide, surpassing the total cases reported in all of 2025 and reaching the highest annual count since the early 1990s, according to the CDC.
- Outbreaks have spread across more than 40 states, particularly in communities with declining vaccination rates, raising concerns about losing the country's measles elimination status achieved in 2000.
- Falling MMR vaccination coverage among kindergarten-age children, now below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, is a key factor enabling the virus to spread rapidly in under-vaccinated communities.
- Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, making vaccination the most effective way to prevent infection and halt transmission.
- Health officials urge the public to ensure they are up to date on measles vaccinations to protect themselves and help maintain the nation's measles elimination status.
