Immediately, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 66 new US measles infections, elevating the nation’s 2026 complete to 982, whereas South Carolina’s 2025-26 outbreak grew by 11 instances, to 973 complete.
7 outbreaks started in 2026
In its weekly replace, the CDC mentioned 976 of the US instances had been in 26 states, whereas six are associated to worldwide journey. The company additionally confirmed seven new outbreaks in 2026, in contrast with 49 that started in 2025.
Of the 982 instances to date this yr, 870 (89%) are tied to an outbreak, which the CDC defines as three or extra associated instances. The overwhelming majority (92%) of these are tied to outbreaks that started in 2025 and have continued into this yr. Final yr, the nation noticed 2,281 measles instances, probably the most in a number of many years, however the US is on monitor to simply surpass that later this yr.
On its measles tracker, CNN reported 1,030 US measles instances to date this yr. It famous that the nation didn’t prime 1,000 instances final yr until nearly Might.
The CDC mentioned 25% of instances have been in youngsters underneath 5 years outdated, whereas 84% have been in youngsters and younger adults by age 19. Absolutely 94% of sufferers have been unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccine standing. Thirty-eight sufferers (4%) have required hospitalization, in contrast with 11% final yr. No measles-related deaths have been reported to date in 2026.
South Carolina has been by far the hardest-hit state this yr, with 632 CDC-confirmed instances, adopted by Utah (117), Florida (64), Arizona (36), and Washington state (24).
The rise in measles instances comes amid a tepid federal response to outbreaks and following decrease uptake of measles-fighting vaccines. In its replace as we speak, the CDC mentioned solely 10 states and Washington, DC, have maintained at the very least 95% protection of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine amongst kindergartners, which is the extent thought of to supply “herd immunity” to guard the bigger neighborhood. Idaho has the bottom reported protection, at 78.5%.
South Carolina outbreak hits 973 instances
South Carolina’s 11 new instances carry the overall for its outbreak—which started final fall—to 973 infections, the South Carolina Division of Public Well being (SCDPH) famous as we speak. The outbreak is centered in Spartanburg County within the Upstate area.
The most recent measles publicity websites embody two church buildings, a Costco, and a neighborhood faculty in Spartanburg. Of the 973 infections statewide, 923 (95%) have been in Spartanburg County, with 35 (4%) in neighboring Greenville County.
The measles vaccine (MMR and MMRV) is the easiest way to guard your self and others towards measles.
Of all case-patients, 93% have been unvaccinated. Ninety p.c of instances have concerned youngsters, together with 26% involving preschoolers.
The SCDPH mentioned, “The measles vaccine (MMR and MMRV) is the easiest way to guard your self and others towards measles.”
Extra infections in different states
Elsewhere, Arizona logged 4 new measles instances this week, bringing its 2026 complete to 49. The Virginia Division of Well being has confirmed two measles instances in northern Virginia, bringing the state’s complete to 10 to date this yr. The state confirmed solely 5 instances in all of 2025.
In northwest Washington, the Snohomish County Well being Division has recorded eight new instances up to now three weeks, elevating its outbreak rely to 14. All the state now has 26 confirmed instances, in line with the Washington State Division of Well being.
Florida numbers are tougher to pin down, given the dearth of reporting by the state well being division. Media studies have listed 68 instances, the CDC cites 64 on its measles map, whereas CNN’s tracker notes 92 instances. And Ave Maria College seems to not be updating its outbreak numbers. Latest studies observe at the very least 57, however the college’s newest replace solely mentions 66 confirmed instances in Collier County, its residence county, by February 14.
Lastly, the Los Angeles County Division of Public Well being has confirmed its fourth measles case of the yr, in a global traveler who could have uncovered others within the county.
