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The Numbers Right Now
- 4080 confirmed cases in the U.S. in 2026 (as of October 8, 2026, CDC data)
- 47 jurisdictions reporting cases (CDC counts states plus New York City and D.C.)
- 96% of cases are outbreak-associated (3,897 of 4,080; CDC)
- Pennsylvania is the current hotspot, with 1,078 confirmed cases across 41 counties (PA DOH update as of October 7, 2026; DOH notes many recent additions are delayed reports; check pa.gov/measles); earlier major activity centered in South Carolina's Upstate
- In Pennsylvania, most confirmed cases involve adults (unlike the national pattern, where children and teens account for a majority of cases)
- CDC's national 2026 death tally lists 2* measles deaths (asterisked; subject to change). Separately, PA DOH reports 5 measles-associated deaths under its state definition — these counts are not the same and should not be added together
- 3 deaths were reported in 2025, the most since 1991
- The 2025 full-year total was 2,289 confirmed cases across 45 jurisdictions (CDC)
For comparison: in all of 2024, there were just 285 confirmed cases nationwide.
Am I at Risk?
You may be at risk if:
- You have never been vaccinated against measles (MMR vaccine)
- You received only one dose of the MMR vaccine instead of two
- You live in or have traveled to an area with active cases
- You are in close contact with unvaccinated individuals
- Your child attends a school or daycare with low vaccination rates
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on earth. If you are not immune, there is a 90% chance you will catch it from an infected person. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
Do I Need a Vaccine?
Most adults born after 1957 need at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Here is a quick guide:
- Born before 1957: You are generally considered immune. Measles was so common before the vaccine that nearly everyone was exposed.
- Received two doses of MMR: You are considered protected. No additional doses needed.
- Received one dose of MMR: You have about 93% protection. A second dose brings that to 97%. Talk to your doctor about getting a second dose, especially if you live in or plan to travel to an outbreak area.
- Never vaccinated or unsure: Get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective for adults.
- Not sure about your status: A blood test called a titer can confirm whether you have immunity.
Children should receive their first dose at 12-15 months and their second dose at 4-6 years. If you are traveling to an outbreak area, infants as young as 6 months can receive an early dose.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure:
- High fever (can spike above 104 degrees)
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (looks like a bad cold)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik spots, an early sign)
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads downward, appearing 3-5 days after other symptoms begin
A person with measles is contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after.
If you think you or your child has been exposed, call your doctor before going to a clinic or emergency room. This helps prevent further spread.
Jurisdictions With Confirmed Cases
As of October 8, 2026, these 47 jurisdictions have confirmed measles cases:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Pennsylvania is the current U.S. hotspot (PA DOH: 1,078 cases across 41 counties as of October 7, 2026; 207 hospitalizations per the same update; DOH notes many recent additions are delayed reports). South Carolina's earlier Upstate outbreak was among the largest single U.S. measles outbreaks in decades — check state health dashboards for live counts.
See the Full State-by-State Breakdown → Browse All State Pages →
Protect Your Family
The single most effective thing you can do is make sure everyone in your household is up to date on the MMR vaccine. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles.
Check your family's vaccination records. If you cannot find them, your doctor can run a simple blood test to check immunity.
If Someone Is Sick
If you think you or a household member has measles, call your health care provider or local health department before visiting a clinic or ER so they can guide isolation and care. There is no specific antiviral for measles; supportive care follows your provider's advice. Do not rely on over-the-counter product lists in place of medical guidance.