The rate of new measles cases is slowing in South Carolina, the hardest-hit state this year, but the U.S. is still on its way to surpass the 2025 case count by mid-2026.
The CDC confirmed 2,284 measles cases in 2025, which set a 35-year record for the country. So far in 2026, the CDC has confirmed 1,362 cases across 30 states.
Five updates:
1. The U.S. gained its measles elimination status in 2000 and will likely lose it this November, according to the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy, also known as CIDRAP.
2. As of March 12, the CDC has confirmed 664 measles cases in South Carolina, 231 in Utah, 116 in Florida and 93 in Texas. Twenty states and Washington, D.C., have not reported any cases in 2026, while the remaining states have logged between one and 49 cases.
3. Although South Carolina has reported the most measles cases this year, its rate of new infections is slowing down, according to local health officials. The rate is increasing in Utah and North Dakota, according to CIDRAP and Minnesota Public Radio.
4. CDC data shows that some of the hardest-hit states also have low vaccination rates. Ninety-two percent of measles cases in 2026 are among individuals who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.
5. This year’s hospitalization rate from measles is 5%, down from 11% in 2025.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
