US records highest measles cases in 35 years

· Health · United States

The United States has recorded more than 5,000 measles cases in 2026, its highest number in 35 years, according to a report. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause pneumonia, brain swelling and death, and is preventable through vaccination. The figure is far above the routine caseloads of recent decades and points to widening gaps in childhood immunisation. US health authorities have repeatedly warned that declining vaccination coverage in some communities leaves young children vulnerable to outbreaks.

Why it matters：The surge shows how falling vaccination coverage can reverse decades of progress against a preventable disease, with lessons for public health systems beyond the US.

Key points

  • More than 5,000 measles cases were recorded in 2026.
  • It is the highest count in 35 years.
  • Measles is vaccine-preventable but highly contagious.

Sources (original reporting)

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