Story perspectives

US measles cases hit 2,318, highest since 1991

7/24/2026

Summary

Kennedy Halts Funding

The United States recorded 2,318 confirmed measles cases in 2026, the highest annual total since 1991 and exceeding the count since elimination in 2000.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified 34 new measles outbreaks this year.
Public health experts warn that vaccination rates must stay above 95% to maintain herd immunity.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. halted funding for vaccine-hesitancy research and downplayed the risks of measles.

Summary

US Risks Elimination

November federal meeting will decide if the United States has lost measles elimination status after continuous transmission.
Dr. Farrell Tobolowsky warned San Francisco’s health department cannot handle more than one measles case without staff, stressing contact-tracing strain.
Virginia’s health department launched a mobile team that visits homes to test for measles and deliver vaccines.
The United States ended funding for WHO, Gavi, and USAID immunization programs, weakening global vaccine-access efforts.

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Kennedy Halts Funding

The United States recorded 2,318 confirmed measles cases in 2026, the highest annual total since 1991 and exceeding the count since elimination in 2000.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified 34 new measles outbreaks this year.
Public health experts warn that vaccination rates must stay above 95% to maintain herd immunity.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. halted funding for vaccine-hesitancy research and downplayed the risks of measles.

1 / 2