A year of continuous outbreaks across the country
Tuesday marks one year since a major measles outbreak began in West Texas, and the virus has continued to spread across the United States every week since. Texas alone recorded more than 760 cases and the deaths of two children before declaring its outbreak over in August. Since then, new large outbreaks have emerged, including hundreds of cases in South Carolina and along the Utah Arizona border.
The first weeks of 2026 have been among the worst so far, with exposures reported in schools, churches, restaurants, shops and airports. Health experts warn that the sustained transmission now threatens the country’s measles elimination status, which the US has held since 2000.
Vaccination gaps drive renewed spread
More than 2,200 confirmed measles cases were reported in 2025, the highest annual total since elimination was achieved. In just the first two weeks of 2026, at least 171 additional cases have already been confirmed. Over 95 percent of infections have occurred in people who were not fully vaccinated with the recommended two doses of the measles mumps rubella vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination coverage among kindergartners has remained below the federal target of 95 percent for five consecutive years. A record share of children received exemptions last school year, most often for philosophical or personal belief reasons.
Public health experts warn of deeper issues
Epidemiologists say the potential loss of elimination status would reflect long standing weaknesses in the public health system rather than a single outbreak. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former director at the CDC, described measles elimination as a vital sign of national health infrastructure and said that system is now under severe strain.
Experts also point to the growing influence of vaccine misinformation. Tight knit communities formed online around anti vaccine narratives have become new centers of vulnerability, making outbreak control more difficult even when vaccines are widely available.
Preventable illness and rising risks
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, and at least one in every 1,000 infected people may die. Three measles related deaths were reported last year alone, matching the total number seen in the previous 25 years combined. Despite this, vaccination uptake has remained low in some outbreak areas, even where mobile clinics have been deployed.
Health officials stress that raising vaccination rates remains the most effective way to stop transmission. Other countries and past US outbreaks have shown that coverage can improve quickly with strong messaging, community engagement and firm school entry requirements.
Uncertain path forward
The Pan American Health Organization will formally assess the United States’ measles elimination status in April. Regardless of the outcome, experts agree that continued outbreaks signal a long term challenge. Without renewed trust in vaccines and stronger public health action, measles is likely to remain a recurring threat in the years ahead.