The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its measles dashboard on 14 January 2026, confirming 171 U.S. cases across nine states—already surpassing the total for all of 2025. Florida, Georgia and North Carolina lead the count, with most infections linked to unvaccinated travelers returning from overseas winter holidays. (cdc.gov)
Although no cases among foreign visitors have been recorded this year, CDC officials caution that upcoming spring-break travel could accelerate spread, particularly at international hubs such as Atlanta and Orlando. Under existing regulations, all arriving travelers suspected of measles are subject to federal isolation orders; airlines must report sick passengers before landing.
![CDC reports 171 measles cases so far in 2026, warns travelers ahead of spring break]()
For travelers who need to confirm vaccination requirements or sort out last-minute travel documents, VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline the process. Its United States page (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) consolidates visa rules, health advisories and real-time entry prerequisites, making it easier for both employers and individual travelers to avoid compliance pitfalls when outbreaks like this occur.
Employers running short-term assignment programs should verify that U.S.- and foreign-based assignees have documented MMR vaccinations. Health-plan sponsors may also wish to circulate CDC guidance on symptoms and post-exposure prophylaxis, as quarantine requirements can derail project timelines and mobility budgets.
From an immigration perspective, the spike could lengthen medical-exam clearances for adjustment-of-status applicants, since civil surgeons must defer green-card physicals until after measles recovery or vaccination. Consular sections in outbreak states may also face staffing shortages if local health departments impose isolation on affected employees.
Although no cases among foreign visitors have been recorded this year, CDC officials caution that upcoming spring-break travel could accelerate spread, particularly at international hubs such as Atlanta and Orlando. Under existing regulations, all arriving travelers suspected of measles are subject to federal isolation orders; airlines must report sick passengers before landing.
For travelers who need to confirm vaccination requirements or sort out last-minute travel documents, VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline the process. Its United States page (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/) consolidates visa rules, health advisories and real-time entry prerequisites, making it easier for both employers and individual travelers to avoid compliance pitfalls when outbreaks like this occur.
Employers running short-term assignment programs should verify that U.S.- and foreign-based assignees have documented MMR vaccinations. Health-plan sponsors may also wish to circulate CDC guidance on symptoms and post-exposure prophylaxis, as quarantine requirements can derail project timelines and mobility budgets.
From an immigration perspective, the spike could lengthen medical-exam clearances for adjustment-of-status applicants, since civil surgeons must defer green-card physicals until after measles recovery or vaccination. Consular sections in outbreak states may also face staffing shortages if local health departments impose isolation on affected employees.
