U.S. Measles Deaths Hit a Ten-Year High as 14 People Die in 2026

The United States has recorded its highest measles mortality rate in the past ten years. According to the CDC, 14 people died from measles in 2026. By comparison, the previous peak came in 2020, when 11 deaths were recorded. The rise in deaths coincided with a new wave of infections in several states. Doctors attribute the trend to declining vaccination rates and the spread of false information about vaccines. Most of those who died were unvaccinated, while underlying health conditions increased the risk of complications. Epidemiologists are urging people to complete the full MMR vaccination course against measles, mumps and rubella, as only a high level of community immunity can protect people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.