U.S. Tracks Measles Outbreaks

Source: CNN

Reported by: Ntiamoah Bernice Mantebea

February 13, 2026

Recent outbreaks of measles across the United States have caused a sharp rise in infections, prompting serious worries from health authorities, particularly because fewer kids are getting vaccinated.

America saw an unprecedented number of measles illnesses in 2025, along with three fatalities; the initial ones reported here since 2015. The illness keeps expanding quickly in 2026, recording higher numbers in just the opening month than what usually happens over twelve months.

CNN keeps watch on these infections and refreshes this report weekly when fresh nationwide figures come out from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A large outbreak in West Texas made up at least 33% of the country's total infections last year, while several regions noted illnesses connected back to that area. State officials called an end to that outbreak midway through August, yet other outbreaks elsewhere are still increasing. In South Carolina, an outbreak that began in the northern part back in October last year has become the biggest measles event nationwide in a long while.

Measles spreads easily through the air and poses severe risks, including death, especially to young unvaccinated children; most cases strike those under 20.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a red-spot rash. The CDC notes about 1 in 5 unvaccinated U.S. patients require hospitalization.