These seven states are hot spots for 2026's record measles outbreak
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Seven states account for the majority of measles cases in the United States, becoming hot spots for the life-threatening disease.
Why it matters: The U.S. measles case count has officially shattered last year's record — hitting levels unseen in more than three decades, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday.
- A Johns Hopkins University tracker that compiles state and local health data signaled the new record earlier this week.
The latest: As of late July, the CDC had recorded 2,318 cases for the year. The vast majority of those sickened are under 20 years old and are either unvaccinated or their status is unknown. There have been no recorded deaths.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. some 26 years ago, thanks to an effective vaccination program.
- When more than 95% of people are vaccinated in a community, most people are protected — but vaccination coverage among kindergarteners has slipped.
Yes, but: Sustained outbreaks over the past two years signal that the virus is finding new footing in areas with low vaccine coverage.
Where measles is hitting hardest
By the numbers: Two states dominate the national count of cases, according to CDC data.
- South Carolina has reported 670 cases, while Utah has reported 522 cases. Together, they account for 1,192 cases, which is about 51% of the total.
- Seven states — South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania and Arizona — represent more than 84% of the total.
Yes, but: Twenty-three states — plus D.C. — have seen three or fewer cases, per the CDC.
Here's a look at the states with the highest cases.
South Carolina
South Carolina has had 670 cases this year, according to the CDC. In 2025, the state had 333 cases.
- There was only one documented case in 2024, per the CDC.
- In April, the state declared the end of a massive outbreak that totaled nearly 1,000 cases, most of which were in unvaccinated people, between October and March.
Utah
Utah had 197 cases in 2025. In 2026, the Beehive State has seen more than 500 cases.
- In Utah, complications related to measles have ranged from pneumonia and dehydration to sepsis and shock, Axios' Erin Alberty writes.
Texas
Texas had 803 cases in 2025 — more than any other state — but has seen far fewer this year, with the state reporting 188 in 2026.
- Vaccination rates for children have been dropping in Texas, just like the rest of the country.
Virginia
Virginia had only six cases in 2025, but has now seen 176 in 2026.
- Cases have been climbing in Virginia all year, with officials pointing to the lack of vaccinations as a reason for the outbreaks.
- Health officials are tracking a confirmed outbreak in two counties, Buckingham and Cumberland.
Florida
Florida has seen 141 cases in 2026 after only seeing eight cases in 2025 and 11 in 2025, per the CDC.
- The Sunshine State saw a surge of cases earlier in the year, but there were signs that the state's outbreaks were slowing down.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has seen a surge of cases over the last week, rising from 110 to 134 — the biggest share of upticks in CDC data this week.
Arizona
Arizona saw the second biggest increase in cases over the last week, jumping by nine cases to a 108 total for the year.
Go deeper: U.S. measles cases surpass last year's total
