Measles cases in US reach record high this year
Measles is spreading across the country, and most cases involve people who have not been vaccinated, putting the nation's elimination status at risk.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
This story is no longer being updated. It reflects reporting up to .
What happened
CBS News has tracked a record number of measles cases and outbreaks across the United States in 2026, with most patients unvaccinated. NBC News reports that cases have topped 5,000 nationwide. Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin have each reported measles-related deaths this week.
Why it matters
The United States is on the verge of losing its measles elimination status as case counts climb.
Timeline
- Nov 6, 12:51 PM ET: CBS News reports a record number of measles cases and outbreaks across the U.S. in 2026, with most cases among unvaccinated people.
- Nov 6, 6:58 PM ET: Cases top 5,000 nationwide, and Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin report measles-related deaths this week.
Coverage
- U.S. on verge of losing measles elimination status as number of cases grows (NBC News)
- Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year (CBS News)
More from U.S.
- Two departing jets at Los Angeles airport come close to colliding
- ICE takes Haitian 8-year-old at routine check-in
- FBI probes suspected killing aboard Texas-bound cruise ship
- NTSB recovers key parts of crashed Learjet in Florida
- Judge rejects bid to drop murder charges against Lindsay Clancy
- Fishermen rescue cruise ship pianist who fell overboard off California