The United States has recorded its highest number of measles infections in 35 years, with more than 5,000 confirmed cases reported across the country in 2026.
According to figures released by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, November 6, a total of 5,182 measles cases have been confirmed nationwide so far this year.
The figure represents a significant increase compared with the 2,289 cases recorded throughout 2025 and marks the highest annual total reported since 1991.
Health authorities have also confirmed at least eight measles-related deaths, including deaths involving very young children.
Measles was officially declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 following successful vaccination campaigns. However, the highly contagious disease has experienced a resurgence in recent years, largely attributed to declining vaccination rates and growing public distrust of health institutions.
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced criticism over his vaccine-sceptical positions and statements about measles vaccination, which critics say have contributed to public uncertainty about vaccines.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, respiratory symptoms and skin rashes. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, potentially resulting in permanent health problems or death.
Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the early 1960s, the disease killed hundreds of children annually in the United States.
Although vaccination has significantly reduced its spread in many countries, measles continues to cause tens of thousands of deaths worldwide.
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