Measles cases hit a 33-year high in the US last year, and 2026 is shaping up to be even worse. In fact, more measles cases have been reported in the US in the last two years than in all the years from 2000 to 2024, combined. It’s no mystery why measles is surging: MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination rates have plunged since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2000, the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) declared measles officially eliminated in the US, thanks to the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles, especially as schools get ready to start up again this month.