US measles outbreak shows signs of slowing as WHO notes vaccination gains in Africa

The CDC reported 34 new measles infections, bringing the U.S. total for 2026 to 1,748 and marking the smallest weekly increase so far this year; a WHO/Africa CDC analysis says roughly 19.5 million measles deaths were averted in Africa since 2000 through expanded vaccination.

The U.S. measles situation is showing smaller weekly growth in reported cases according to a CDC update. This week brought 34 new infections and a 2026 total of 1,748 cases, the smallest weekly increase recorded so far this year. At the same time, a WHO and Africa CDC analysis highlighted large gains from expanded vaccination across Africa. Key details: - The CDC reported 34 new cases this week, bringing the U.S. total for 2026 to 1,748 and marking the smallest weekly increase so far this year. - Officials say most confirmed U.S. cases are linked to outbreaks and that a large share of patients are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccine status; no measles-related deaths have been confirmed in 2026 and some hospitalizations were recorded. - WHO and Africa CDC reported that expanded measles vaccination in Africa since 2000 has averted about 19.5 million measles deaths, and U.S. officials expect an assessment of the country’s measles elimination status in November. Summary: The CDC report indicates a slower weekly rise in U.S. measles cases but the outbreak remains active and could still exceed last year’s total. Separately, the Africa-focused analysis credits expanded immunization with preventing millions of measles deaths since 2000. An official review of the U.S. measles elimination status is scheduled for November.