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The Numbers Right Now
- 727 confirmed cases in the U.S. in 2026 (as of February 13, 2026; sources: CDC, state health departments, verified news reports)
- 20 states reporting cases
- 92% of cases are linked to known outbreaks
- South Carolina is the epicenter, with over 540 cases in 2026 alone
- 90% of cases involve children
- 3 deaths were reported in 2025, the most since 1991
- The 2025 total reached 2,276 cases across 45 states
For comparison: in all of 2024, there were just 285 confirmed cases nationwide.
Am I at Risk?
You may be at risk if:
- You have never been vaccinated against measles (MMR vaccine)
- You received only one dose of the MMR vaccine instead of two
- You live in or have traveled to an area with active cases
- You are in close contact with unvaccinated individuals
- Your child attends a school or daycare with low vaccination rates
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on earth. If you are not immune, there is a 90% chance you will catch it from an infected person. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
Do I Need a Vaccine?
Most adults born after 1957 need at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. Here is a quick guide:
- Born before 1957: You are generally considered immune. Measles was so common before the vaccine that nearly everyone was exposed.
- Received two doses of MMR: You are considered protected. No additional doses needed.
- Received one dose of MMR: You have about 93% protection. A second dose brings that to 97%. Talk to your doctor about getting a second dose, especially if you live in or plan to travel to an outbreak area.
- Never vaccinated or unsure: Get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective for adults.
- Not sure about your status: A blood test called a titer can confirm whether you have immunity.
Children should receive their first dose at 12-15 months and their second dose at 4-6 years. If you are traveling to an outbreak area, infants as young as 6 months can receive an early dose.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure:
- High fever (can spike above 104 degrees)
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (looks like a bad cold)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik spots, an early sign)
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads downward, appearing 3-5 days after other symptoms begin
A person with measles is contagious from about 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after.
If you think you or your child has been exposed, call your doctor before going to a clinic or emergency room. This helps prevent further spread.
States With Active Cases
As of February 5, 2026, these 20 states have confirmed measles cases:
Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
South Carolina's outbreak, centered in the Upstate region, is the largest single measles outbreak in the U.S. in more than 30 years.
See the Full State-by-State Breakdown → Browse All State Pages →
Protect Your Family
The single most effective thing you can do is make sure everyone in your household is up to date on the MMR vaccine. Two doses provide 97% protection against measles.
Check your family's vaccination records. If you cannot find them, your doctor can run a simple blood test to check immunity.
Recommended Health Supplies
Keep these on hand during measles season:
- Digital thermometer for monitoring fever
- Pulse oximeter to track oxygen levels
- Calamine lotion for rash relief
- Humidifier to ease cough and congestion
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