MEASLES: Understanding and Protecting Yourself, Your family, and Your Community
The number of cases of measles nationwide has been growing significantly and has implications for everyone. The measles virus is airborne and highly resilient, meaning you can be exposed to the virus even before an infected person appears sick and hours after they have left a space you enter.
According to the CDC, measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), and death.
- 1 out of 5 people who get measles will be hospitalized.
- 1 out of every 20 children with measles will get pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
- 1 out of every 1,000 people with measles will develop brain swelling, which may lead to brain damage.
- 1 to 3 out of 1,000 people with measles will die.
As of August 27, 2026, 2,903 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026. Among these, 2,887 measles cases were reported by 47 jurisdictions (states). An additional 16 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States.
The measles vaccine is the best way to protect you and your family from this dangerous disease. If you were born in or after 1958, talk to your doctor to ensure you have received two doses of measles vaccine. People born in 1957 or earlier should have natural immunity to measles.
