Measles cases continue to rise across the United States, with more than 2,100 confirmed cases and 49 outbreaks reported in 2025 and three reported in 2026. Of those confirmed, majority of cases are among children and adolescents, with 26% of cases in children under 5 years and 41% among individuals aged 5 to19 years. Declines in childhood vaccination coverage continue to increase the risk of outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination coverage among U.S kindergartners decreased from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent measles.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination
The MMR vaccine is scientifically proven to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective (American Academy of Pediatrics); two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. Given how contagious measles is, its well-documented potential for serious complications, and recent outbreak developments, vaccination is a crucial and effective way to protect individuals and communities from measles outbreaks.
The current recommendation for the MMR vaccine is two doses for children, typically administered at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years of age. This vaccination schedule helps ensure optimal protection against measles, mumps, and rubella and contributes to community immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks. Individuals who are uncertain about their immunity should consult a healthcare provider to determine whether they have antibodies and whether an additional dose is recommended.
NACCHO continues to closely monitor information related to ongoing and emerging measles outbreaks and is ready to assist local health departments with response and coordination efforts. Below are recent updates and resources regarding ongoing measles outbreaks, which will be updated on an as-needed basis. For the most up-to-date information, please join our Emerging Public Health Threats Virtual Communities forum.
If your health department needs support or has questions, please contact NACCHO’s Preparedness Team at [email protected].
Recent Updates:
January 6, 2026: According to CDC data, a total of three confirmed measles cases were reported by two jurisdictions: North Carolina and South Carolina. Zero deaths have been reported in 2026.
December 31, 2025: According to CDC data, a total of 2,144 confirmed measles cases were reported by 45 jurisdictions in 2025: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. To date in 2025, there have been three confirmed deaths from measles.
October 2, 2025: The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed an outbreak of measles in the Upstate Region. As of Oct. 1, 2025, a total of eight measles cases have been reported to DPH in the Upstate. Five out of the eight cases became sick within the past month and are part of a newly identified outbreak of measles.
August 18, 2025: Texas announces end of West Texas measles outbreak. It has been more than 42 days since a new case was reported in any of the counties that previously showed evidence of ongoing transmission. DSHS will continue to monitor for new cases but will cease updating the interactive outbreak dashboard.
Resources and Toolkits
Measles Outbreak Response Resources (Johns Hopkins Center for Outbreak Response Innovation): This site contains a national case dashboard, U.S. risk assessments (updated weekly), and resources for health departments including isolation and quarantine letters, template press releases and school notification letters, and operational workflows.
Respond to Measles Outbreaks (Public Health Communication Collaborative) Measles continues to spread across the United States. Find ready-to-share resources about measles for children and adults, messaging about MMR and MMRV vaccines, and more to keep your communities informed.
Responding to Measles Outbreaks in High Priority Populations (Association of Immunization Managers): On April 15, AIM hosted a special webinar, Responding to Measles Outbreaks in High Priority Populations. Attendees heard from three jurisdictions on how they responded to past measles outbreaks in specific communities. Speakers shared examples of tailored outreach efforts and strategies for measles surveillance to instill trust.
Measles - Red Book Online (American Academy of Pediatrics): This book chapter is on measles and describes symptoms, complications, and transmission. It covers vaccine guidance and outbreak control.
Measles Resource Guide (Pediatric Pandemic Network): This website provides up-to-date information, guidelines, and support to effectively manage and prevent measles outbreaks during this season with resources that may be helpful from PPN.
Measles Communication Toolkit (Texas Department of State Health Services): These materials have been designed for use by local and regional health departments in Texas to address measles. Most of the documents have been made available in .doc format so that they can be modified as needed by each jurisdiction.
Measles Resources for Health Departments (CDC): This site provides key measles resources including case definitions and outbreak and response procedures.
Be Ready for Measles Toolkit (CDC): This is a toolkit to communicate with different audiences when preparing for and responding to measles cases and outbreaks.
Public Health Preparedness Checklist: Measles Clusters and Outbreaks (CDC): Access checklists for how to support measles preparedness at health departments in the short- and long-term as well as a checklist for healthcare system preparedness.
2025 Measles Outbreak Guidance in Spanish (New Mexico Department of Health): See an overview, reports, FAQ, and other resources related to the measles outbreak in New Mexico in Spanish.
Measles Outbreak Toolkits (CDC): Access resources for healthcare providers, local/state health departments, and settings where children congregate to respond to a measles outbreak.
Vaccine Recommendations (CDC): This site provides routine MMR information, evidence of immunity, and other considerations for measles vaccine.
Traveling Abroad Summer Checklist Graphic (CDC): Find a graphic available for download highlighting preparation for summer travel.
Measles School Outbreak Simulator (UT Austin): This tool is designed to aid in risk communications and decision making around potential measles outbreaks in schools. The simulator has been updated to include school districts in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, in addition to Texas. If a particular state or school district are not currently part of the school lookup feature, users can input an approximate vaccination rate.
How Modeling Supported Decision-Making in a Local Measles Response (CDC Center for Forecasting & Analytics): This case study provides a summary of modeling approaches that were used during a measles outbreak, which originated in a temporary shelter in Chicago in spring of 2024.
Vaccine Hesitancy Toolkit (Voices for Vaccines): This toolkit will help you talk with the vaccine-hesitant and make these conversations less emotionally charged and awkward.
Measles Readiness in Child-Serving Congregate Settings:
Ways Schools Can Support Routine Vaccination Catch-Up Among School-Aged Children (Public Health Foundation): A toolkit for education professionals.
How Early Care and Education Can Help Children Keep Their Vaccinations Up-to-Date (Public Health Foundation): A toolkit for early care and education providers.
Measles Prevention and Preparedness Tips for Camps (American Camp Association): A site with tips and resources for camps.
Baby and Breastfeeding Resources:
Diagnosing Measles in the Pediatric Setting (American Academy of Pediatrics): A webinar describing the three steps pediatricians should take if they have a patient suspected of having measles: isolate the patient, report to public health, and collect the appropriate specimens. The presentation material is based on the Red Book by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Protecting Your Baby From a Measles Outbreak: FAQs (HealthyChildren.org): Also available in Spanish
Breastfeeding Benefits Your Baby’s Immune System (HealthyChildren.org): Also available in Spanish
Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom (CDC): This page outlines the benefits of breastfeeding.
Communicating and Promoting Vaccination
Utilize CDC’s Rapid Community Assessment to Understand the Vaccination Needs of Your Communities (NACCHO): This one-pager shares how a Rapid Community Assessment (RCA) helps to identify local gaps in vaccination coverage, assess vaccine uptake and acceptance, and prioritize strategies for improving vaccination coverage.
Immunization Resource Repository (NACCHO and YB Consultants): This document provides a curated collection of resources that cater to various immunization topics and needs, including articles, trainings, and toolkits/guides.
Increasing Vaccine Confidence Resource Guide (NACCHO): This resource guide is the result of a literature review and environmental scan for best practices, toolkits, and other guidance to address vaccine confidence across the lifespan for vaccines.
Local Health Department Vaccination Stories from the Field
Empowering Vaccine Champions: Enhancing Whole Worker Health - Johnson County Public Health, Iowa (NACCHO): This post shares how Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) in Iowa developed and implemented a vaccine ambassador program.
Expanding Vaccination Coverage through Partnerships with Adolescents, Faith-Based Organizations, and Early Childhood Education Centers (NACCHO): This post shares success stories from local health department in establishing sustainable, community-centered partnerships with Early Care and Education (ECE) providers, faith-based organizations, and community messengers supporting adolescents and their families.
