U.S. Measles Cases Top 5,100 in 2026, Outbreak Costs Near $83 Million

According to CNBC, a tool developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins University estimates that U.S. measles outbreaks have carried an economic cost of nearly $83 million, based on more than 5,100 cases reported nationwide as of early November 2026. The estimate includes $56 million in public health response costs, almost $25 million in lost productivity and more than $1.8 million in direct medical expenses. Eight deaths associated with measles have been confirmed by states in 2026. The U.S. is expected to lose its official measles elimination status following a review by the Pan American Health Organization this week. The tool estimates that 2025 outbreaks, which involved 2,289 confirmed cases, cost more than $37 million.