U.S. Measles Cases Top 5,000, Threatening Elimination Status

WHO:

NBC News Health - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported measles cases; NBC’s Aaron Gilchrist reported on the outbreak for *Sunday TODAY*.

The Washington Post - The CDC recorded measles cases in the United States.

WHAT:

NBC News Health - The CDC reported more than 5,000 measles cases in the United States, more than double the previous year’s total.

The Washington Post - The CDC recorded 5,182 measles cases in the United States, the highest number since 1991.

NBC News Health - The United States could lose its measles elimination status as cases surge.

WHERE:

NBC News Health - Measles outbreaks have surged in the United States.

The Washington Post - The 5,182 recorded cases were in the United States.

WHY:

NBC News Health - The article says measles outbreaks have surged as vaccination rates have dropped.

HOW:

NBC News Health - Measles was considered eliminated in the United States in 2000; falling vaccination rates and surging outbreaks have raised concern that the country may lose that status.

(UPDATED November 8, 2026 15:59 UTC)

The United States has recorded 5,182 measles cases, the highest total since 1991. That’s more than double the previous year’s count, amid declining vaccination rates. The surge threatens the country’s measles elimination status, achieved in 2000.