Measles cases in US hit highest level since 1991, CDC data shows

July 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. recorded 2,318 confirmed cases of measles on Friday, surpassing last year's tally and marking the highest level since 1991, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of the total, 2,302 cases were reported by 45 jurisdictions and 16 were identified among international visitors to the U.S. as of Thursday, the CDC said. The country had reported 2,289 confirmed cases in 2025.

The CDC said 35 outbreaks have been reported so far in 2026, compared with 48 last year.

Measles is one of the world's most contagious illnesses and is often spread over times of high travel like spring break or in situations where unvaccinated persons are in close quarters.

It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough and a characteristic rash, and can also lead to severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.