On Aug. 7, 2026, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 94 new measles infections—most of them in Pennsylvania—bringing the US total for the year to 2,465, the agency said in its weekly update.

The numbers likely provide additional data to move the United States toward losing its measles elimination status this year. The nation gained that distinction in 2000, but  has now logged consecutive years of more than 2,200 measles cases (2,289 for all of last year). This year’s total is the highest since 1991.

This month the CDC committee that helps determine the country’s measles elimination status will review the available data and forward its findings to the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO’s) Regional Verification Commission. In November, PAHO, which is the regional branch of the World Health Organization, will announce whether the United States has lost its elimination status.

A day earlier, in Stat First Opinion, Noel Brewster, PhD, who chairs the CDC committee, said, “We will review measles rates for the nation. These data are public and show a runaway train.”

All but 16 of this year’s cases have been locally acquired, with the rest tied to international travel. The CDC noted 38 outbreaks, one more than last week. Last year saw 48 measles outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases.

Of the 2026 cases, 20% involve children age 5 and under, and 68% involve kids and young adults to age 19. Seven percent of patients have been hospitalized, compared with 11% in 2025. Among all measles patients, 93% are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccine status. 

No measles deaths have been reported this year. Last year, three people, including two children, succumbed to the highly transmissible disease.