The U.S. has reported 1,281 confirmed measles cases through March 5, 2026 — already making it one of the three worst years for measles since elimination was declared in 2000 — with 94% of cases in unvaccinated individuals.

South Carolina's Spartanburg County remains the epicenter, accounting for 991 of the total cases. Twelve new outbreaks have been reported in 2026, and 89% of confirmed cases (1,137 of 1,281) are outbreak-associated. Washington state is also flagging growing concern as cases spread beyond the initial clusters.

For context: the full year of 2025 saw 2,283 confirmed measles cases. The 2026 pace suggests that total will be exceeded well before year-end. PAHO has issued an epidemiological alert for continued measles transmission across the Americas.

For practices: screen vaccination status at every patient encounter, update exposure and isolation protocols, and prepare for the liability questions that follow outbreaks. The CDC recommends two doses of MMR vaccine for healthcare personnel. With public health messaging politicized and trust eroded, the clinical screening burden shifts directly to providers.

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