US measles outbreak the worst in 35 years: Official data
The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases reported in 2026. The surge is attributed to declining vaccination rates, increased non‑medical exemptions, and widespread misinformation about vaccines. Public health experts warn that the outbreak could presage rises in other vaccine‑preventable diseases if vaccine hesitancy continues.
- ▪The CDC recorded 2,318 measles cases in 2026, surpassing the previous year’s record of 2,289 cases.
- ▪Vaccine hesitancy and non‑medical exemptions have risen since the COVID‑19 pandemic, contributing to the outbreak.
- ▪South Carolina reported the highest number of infections in 2026, according to a university epidemiology professor.
- ▪Experts anticipate that other vaccine‑preventable illnesses, such as pertussis, may increase as distrust in health authorities grows.
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US measles outbreak the worst in 35 years: Official dataSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxMisinformation and non-medical exemptions have led to a dangerous resurgence of measles. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jul 25, 2026, 10:19 AMUpdated Jul 25, 2026, 10:19 AMSet as preferred sourceSummariseThe US is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years with 2,318 cases recorded in 2026, driven by declining vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy.Measles was declared eradicated in 2000 thanks to vaccines, but misinformation and non-medical exemptions have led to a dangerous resurgence, especially among certain communities.Experts warn the outbreak will worsen and predict more vaccine-preventable diseases will rise due to increasing distrust in health authorities…
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