Measles cases continue to rise in the US, and four people have died recently. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
So how bad is it? Where are we on numbers? Let’s take a look:
Note – we use data from the Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks confirmed cases only, the Pandemic Center tracks both probable and confirmed cases using publicly available data from state health departments. (Numbers below are correct as of 9/24/26).
The total number of reported measles cases in 2026 as of this week is now 3,937. That’s more than in any year since 1991!
Where are the most cases at the moment?
The biggest current outbreak is in Pennsylvania with increasing weekly numbers[archived link] – currently 835, and sadly four people have died from complications that are associated with measles. All of them were not vaccinated, but two were too little and not yet eligible for the vaccine. Iowa, Ohio, Kentucky and New York are also experiencing outbreaks with weekly numbers on the increase, and overall in 2026 there have now been confirmed measles cases found in 48 states.
(Source: Brown University Pandemic Center’s weekly tracking report ) – 9/24/26 report
What does that mean for the US’s elimination status?
The US earned elimination status for measles in 2000 – meaning the country had gone without large outbreaks or over 12 months of uncontrolled spread. Losing elimination status means the risk of getting measles is already higher, and it also signals a decline in preventive actions, like vaccines, that help keep us safe and healthy. The US is likely to lose its elimination status when the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) meets in November.
So what can I do to protect myself and my family?
💉 Vaccination remains your “best shot” – pardon the pun – at protecting yourself, your family, and those around you who cannot get the vaccine.
👶 Remember, if you are in an area with an active outbreak and you have infants under 12 months, check with your trusted clinician as vaccination can be brought forward to 6 months to protect your young ones (even though they will still require a vaccine at 12-15 months and 4-6 years) – you can read more about this here.
😷 Measles virus survives in very small droplets that remain in the air for hours. If you are going to an area with a measles outbreak or potentially unvaccinated children, you should consider wearing a well-fitting mask, ideally a N95/KN95 mask.
🛡️ Immunize yourself against false or misleading information about diseases and vaccines. There is a lot of conflicting information in the news and on social media. Those Nerdy Girls shares sources that are evidence-backed from trustworthy organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
🏫 Educate yourself about measles and other spreadable diseases, as well as vaccines and how they protect against disease.
I heard about measles cases in some folks who are vaccinated. Can you tell me more?
It is scary to hear about infections in vaccinated folks, but this does not mean that vaccines don’t work. The MMR vaccine is very effective at preventing infection, but not 100%. This means some people will be vaccinated and still catch measles. And sometimes people who are vaccinated don’t respond to the vaccine, and as a result they don’t develop an immune memory, which means they can still be at risk. Remember that these “break-through” cases are still rare, but they make the headlines more readily than all the folks who are vaccinated, have been exposed, but don’t get sick.
The risk of catching measles is higher when there are more cases circulating in the community because people are more likely to be exposed. The more virus someone is exposed to, the more likely they are to get sick, even if they are vaccinated. This is because the virus can overwhelm the person’s existing immune memory. However, if this happens, we know that the measles vaccine still helps reduce the risk of complications if infected.
If you want to learn more, Those Nerdy Girls have written several posts about what measles is, why it’s so dangerous, and why vaccination is safe and so super effective – you can check them out below:
‼️ Wait, there’s more than one type of measles?
‼️ How can I protect myself from measles?
‼️ What do vaccination and umbrellas have in common?
So, bottom line, measles is very much around and not going anywhere, and can pose a risk to anyone who is not vaccinated.
Stay safe, stay well.
Love,
Those Nerdy Girls
Helpful links:
Brown University Pandemic Center – Weekly Tracking Report
American Academy of Pediatrics – Measles vaccine
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – MMR vaccine call to action statement
