The United States has recently experienced a significant surge in measles cases, with data indicating a record number of infections across multiple states, according to recent CBS News analysis. According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. has recorded the most measles cases in over three decades as outbreaks have spread in several states, notably West Texas, resulting in the deaths of two children in 2026.
By mid-July, the number of confirmed measles cases had surpassed 2,289, representing the highest number of measles cases in the U.S. since 2025, a period marked by a significant decline in the official measles elimination status, which was established in 2000. The CDC’s tracking efforts, utilizing data from state health departments and the CDC, have revealed a nationwide pattern of outbreaks. Specifically, the CBS News team has identified over 750 cases connected to a West Texas outbreak in 2026 that directly led to the deaths of two children.
Prior to 2025, the highest number of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. in recent years was 1,274 in 2019, driven by outbreaks in New York, California, and Washington state. The trend has been a considerable decrease in the total number of cases, with the majority of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals, and outbreaks have been concentrated in communities with lower vaccination rates.
Health experts highlight that lower vaccination rates are the primary driver behind these increases, with the vast majority of cases currently being linked to unvaccinated individuals. The CDC data demonstrates that approximately 93% of kindergartners in the U.S. were vaccinated against measles during the 2021-2022 school year, and only 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. This represents a critical drop from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year – a crucial threshold that threatens public safety. Only 10 states have reached this threshold, demonstrating the importance of vaccination efforts across the nation.
To address this situation, the CDC stated that I think that parents, for most kids, especially for the measles vaccines, the DTP, all the standard childhood vaccines, it’s very important that parents vaccinate their kids.
Research has found no evidence of increased rates of autism among those who are vaccinated compared to those who are not. Vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing and are continuously monitored for effectiveness and potential side effects. The CDC emphasizes the importance of these efforts and acknowledges the substantial investment made in vaccine development and distribution. The agency also reports that the measles vaccine is safe and highly effective, with a robust history of effectiveness.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) director, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, underscored this point on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” stating that vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health and are essential to protect communities. The agency’s data also shows that no evidence of increased rates of autism among those who are vaccinated compared to those who are not has been found. The CDC has implemented measures to strengthen vaccination efforts and continue monitoring for potential risks. The agency continues to report data and provide resources to support vaccine uptake and ensure public health safety.
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Source: CBS News
