ATLANTA – Measles cases have surpassed 1,100 in the United States so far in 2026, putting the country on pace to exceed totals from a record-setting 2025.
The total – 1,136 as of February 27 – is four times higher than the number of measles cases reported in the U.S. at this point last year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the cases so far in 2026, 81% were in people 19 or younger, and nearly a quarter were in children younger than 5.
In total, 21 measles cases have been reported in California this year. Cases have been confirmed in Los Angeles, Napa, Orange, Riverside, San Mateo and Shasta counties. No cases have been reported in Central California in 2026.
Health experts, including physicians at Valley Children’s, continue to emphasize the need for vaccination to ensure children are properly protected from measles.
If you’re unsure whether your child has received the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, it’s best to reach out to your primary care provider. Additionally, the State of California provides a service that allows you to receive your child’s vaccination records via text or email.
If you’re a resident of California, follow these steps to request immunization records for yourself or your children:
- Go to myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/request
- Select “I want my California Immunization Record.”
- Enter your name, date of birth, and phone number or email.
- Enter up to three of your children’s names and dates of birth.
- Create a four-digit pin to access the records.
You should receive a text message or email – depending on which you entered – with a link to the vaccine records. There, you can see whether your child has received the MMR vaccine.
If your child is younger than 1 – and therefore too young to receive the MMR vaccine – here is some guidance for keeping them safe if measles cases are reported in your area.
For more information about the recommended immunization schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics, click here.
