U.S. Measles Cases Pass 5,000 in 2026, CDC Reports

Cases cross 5,000

November 6, 2026 · 1:00 p.m. Central / 2:00 p.m. Eastern

More than 5,000 confirmed measles cases have been reported in the United States this year, according to a Friday update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC counted 5,182 cases through November 5, an increase of 330 from its prior weekly update, Reuters reported. That is more than double the 2,289 confirmed cases recorded for all of 2025. The 2026 figure covers only part of the year and may change as reports are reviewed.

The CDC said 5,164 cases were reported by 47 jurisdictions, a group that includes New York City and the District of Columbia; another 18 involved international visitors. A jurisdiction count is not the same as a state count.

What the federal figures show

The agency reported 43 new outbreaks in 2026. It defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. Some of this year’s infections are associated with outbreaks that began in 2025.

Reuters reported that 562 people with measles had been hospitalized, about 11% of confirmed cases. It also reported that 96% of cases were among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown; the combined category does not mean all of those people were known to be unvaccinated.

The CDC listed four deaths in its 2026 count. State officials have reported additional measles-associated deaths that are not all reflected in the federal figure. Ars Technica reported that differences in reporting and review contribute to the gap; the CDC says its death count can change as reviews are completed.

Vaccination and symptoms

Measles spreads easily through the air and can cause serious complications. The CDC says two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; protection is high but not absolute.

People unsure about their vaccination status can consult a health professional or local health department. Anyone who may have measles should call a healthcare provider before arriving so the facility can take precautions. If emergency care is needed, the CDC says to have someone call ahead when possible.

The agency’s vaccination guidance includes age and exposure considerations. Local health departments may have more current information about nearby outbreaks.

The numbers in context

2025, full year The CDC recorded 2,289 confirmed U.S. cases.
October 29, 2026 The previous federal update counted 4,852 cases for the year.
November 5, 2026 The CDC’s latest reporting cutoff showed 5,182 confirmed cases; the update was published November 6.