Measles is back in a big way, and it’s making quite the splash in the U.S. With 733 confirmed cases reported as of February 5, 2026, the numbers are climbing. Last week alone saw a 145-case increase—a 24.7% rise.
Measles is making a comeback in the U.S., with 733 confirmed cases and a staggering 24.7% increase last week.
And where are these outbreaks happening? They’re popping up in 20 jurisdictions, with South Carolina leading the charge at a staggering 920 cases. Arizona isn’t far behind, boasting 254 cases. Talk about a contagious party nobody wants to join.
The age demographics tell a troubling tale. A whopping 85% of patients are children or young adults under 19. That’s right—28% are under five years old.
And here’s the kicker: 95% of these cases are unvaccinated or of unknown status. Seriously, folks? Kindergartner MMR coverage has plummeted from 95.2% to 92.5% in just a few years. That’s over 286,000 kindergartners at risk next school year. It’s hard to believe that vaccine hesitancy is playing such a major role in this resurgence. Vaccine rates among Somali 2-year-olds have decreased significantly, exacerbating the issue. Experts are particularly concerned about the current measles battle as it poses a risk to public health overall.
Recent exposures have only fanned the flames. Remember that National March for Life rally? Yeah, those attendees brought measles along for the ride. Disneyland is also getting in on the action again, with a second case linked to a visit in January.
And let’s not ignore the Minneapolis Somali community, which has seen vaccination rates drop from 92% to a mere 24%. What’s stopping us? Fear? Misinformation? A little bit of everything? Experts are scratching their heads.
Dr. Oz is urging everyone to get their measles shots. He’s not wrong. But as the outbreak grows, people must face the facts. The U.S. is on track to lose its measles elimination status, and that’s just plain embarrassing.
