Measles
10 Active OutbreaksMeasles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It primarily affects unvaccinated children but can infect anyone without immunity. Historically, it was a common childhood disease worldwide and remains a significant health threat in areas with low vaccination rates.
What is Measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. It's a viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, major epidemics occurred every 2-3 years, causing an estimated 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide.
Symptoms
- High fever (may spike to >104°F)
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)
- Red, blotchy rash starting on face and spreading downward
- Fatigue and body aches
- Loss of appetite
Transmission
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne and infectious for up to 2 hours in an enclosed space. It is one of the most contagious diseases known, with 90% of non-immune individuals becoming infected after exposure.
Contagious Period: 4 days before to 4 days after rash appears
Prevention
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine - 97% effective after 2 doses
- Isolation of infected individuals
- Post-exposure prophylaxis within 72 hours of exposure
- Immune globulin for high-risk individuals
- Maintaining high vaccination coverage (95%+) for herd immunity
Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases
Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance
Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies
✓ Live data updated in real-time from global health sources
Measles Returns to Colombia After Five Years
In Feb 2026, Colombia confirmed three imported measles cases in adults who traveled to outbreak-affected countries, representing the first detections in five years. The Ministry of Health has activated enhanced surveillance and is implementing targeted vaccination campaigns, particularly for travelers and high-risk populations, amid regional increase in cases concentrated in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Outbreak in Taiwan Prompts Contact Tracing
A secondary measles case in New Taipei City has generated 526 contacts requiring monitoring through mid-March 2026, following transmission from a previously confirmed imported case. The situation remains within Taiwan's post-elimination baseline patterns, with trajectory dependent on whether additional cases emerge among monitored contacts over the coming weeks.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Kazakhstan Measles Outbreak Prompts Emergency Vaccinations
Kazakhstan is experiencing a measles outbreak with 3343 cases reported since early 2026, predominantly affecting unvaccinated children under five years. The outbreak, concentrated in nine regions including major cities Astana and Almaty, has prompted emergency measures including expanded immunization campaigns, temporary exclusion of unvaccinated children from schools and kindergartens, and mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Cases Surge in US: 910 Infections Reported
US CDC, "As of February 12, 2026, 910 confirmed* measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026. Among these, 904 measles cases were reported by 24 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. A total of 6 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States. There have been 5 new outbreaks reported in 2026, and 90% of confirmed cases (822 of 910) are outbreak-associated (62 from outbreaks in 2026 and 760 from outbreaks that started in 2025)."
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Mexico Measles Outbreak: Cases Soar, 28 Deaths Reported
Mexico is experiencing its largest measles outbreak since achieving elimination status in 1997, with 8,899 cumulative cases and 28 deaths have been confirmed, distributed across the states of Chihuahua (21), Durango (1), Sonora (1), Jalisco (2), Michoacán (1), Tlaxcala (1), and Mexico City (1). Only 3.57% of the deaths had a history of vaccination..
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Kills Child in Israel Amid Outbreak
Israel has been experiencing a measles outbreak since mid-2025, with around 2900 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities as of 14 Feb 2026, concentrated in ultra-Orthodox communities with suboptimal vaccination coverage. The case fatality rate substantially exceeds that of previous outbreaks, driven by delayed healthcare-seeking and the vulnerability of unvaccinated infants and children. Health authorities continue to emphasize early care-seeking and expanded vaccination strategies, including advancing doses and early vaccination for infants in outbreak zones, as critical measures to prevent further deaths and limit ongoing transmission.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Outbreak Hits London Schools: Dozens Ill, Hospitalizations Rise
The UK lost its WHO measles elimination status in January 2026 following 2911 confirmed cases in 2024 (the highest since 2012) and 959 cases in 2025, including a child's death in Liverpool, driven by vaccination coverage falling well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. A recent outbreak of measles has been reported in north London, raising concerns for wider spread.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Mongolia Measles Outbreak Surpasses 14000 Cases
Mongolia is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with 14 123 confirmed cases as of 09 Feb 2026, primarily affecting school-age children. The outbreak demonstrates rapid transmission in populations with incomplete vaccination coverage and poses a substantial public health challenge to Mongolia's measles elimination goals.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
Measles Outbreak in Singapore: 11 Cases Reported
Singapore reported 11 measles cases in January 2026. The detection of genetically linked cases without known epidemiological links indicates undetected community transmission. Enhanced containment measures, including mandatory isolation, contact tracing, and quarantine, aim to interrupt transmission chains.
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
None
Zambia’s Vaccine Experts Convene to Review Immunisation Schedule and Measles Vaccine Strategy. The Zambia Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (ZITAG) has convened a cricial meeting.
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Expert Resources & References
Trusted information from leading health organizations
WHO
Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization
View WHO Resources →Medically Reviewed Content
Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-05
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