Measles Is Spreading ‘Like Wildfire’ Across 31 States — Here’s Where Cases Are Worst

Measles is making a comeback in the United States after being considered eliminated for 26 years, and health officials are running out of ways to sugarcoat how serious it has become.

Since January, more than 1,350 cases of measles have been confirmed across 31 states, according to the CDC. That number represents a dramatic surge compared to recent years, and officials say spring break travel is accelerating the spread at exactly the wrong time.

“Measles cases are spreading like wildfire this year,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive. “In this case, what happens on spring break does not stay on spring break. Measles is incredibly transmissible and can easily travel home with us, infecting others in our schools and communities.”

Which State Has the Biggest Measels Outbreak?

The hardest hit state in 2026 is South Carolina, which has confirmed 697 cases — by far the highest total in the country. Utah follows with 249 cases, driven by outbreaks across multiple counties including Utah County, Salt Lake, and the Southwest Health District. Texas, which dominated headlines in last year’s outbreak, has recorded 162 cases in 2026 after a much larger 2025 surge of 803 cases. Florida has confirmed 131 cases, followed by Arizona with 56 and California with 30.

Michigan is among the latest states to report cases, with Washtenaw County confirming three cases since March 12, all linked to travel from Florida. There are no known exposure sites within Michigan, but health officials warn that with the illness now present in the state, community transmission becomes increasingly possible.

Health officials are urging anyone who is unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status to get immunized before traveling, particularly during spring break season.

Anyone experiencing symptoms — fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a distinctive red rash — should call their doctor before visiting a clinic or emergency room to avoid potentially exposing others.

This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Mar 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.