Rise in US Measles Cases Reaches 25-Year High, Sparks Public Health Concerns

In 2025, the United States is experiencing its highest number of measles cases in a quarter-century, with over 1,270 confirmed infections reported so far. This figure surpasses the previous peak of 1,274 cases recorded in 2019, according to recent data from Johns Hopkins University. Experts believe the true count may be even higher due to underreporting and cases going unnoticed. Tragically, three individuals have succumbed to measles this year—two children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico—all unvaccinated.

The resurgence is tightly linked to declining vaccination rates, especially in regions like West Texas, where the outbreak began in January in Gaines County, an area with notably low childhood immunization coverage. Nearly a quarter of kindergartners in the county did not receive the MMR vaccine during the 2024–25 school year. The outbreak has since spread to neighboring states, including New Mexico and Oklahoma, and possibly Kansas.

Across the country, at least 38 states have reported measles cases, amounting to at least 27 outbreaks. International travel has further facilitated dissemination, with an individual carrying measles infecting others at an airport in Colorado.

Historically, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to widespread vaccination efforts. However, vaccination coverage has declined, jeopardizing this status. The CDC reports that about 1 in 8 infected individuals require hospitalization, with nearly 30% of cases occurring in children under five—most unvaccinated.

The MMR vaccine remains highly effective, with one dose offering 93% protection and two doses providing 97%. In reaction to the outbreaks, some states have begun expanding vaccine access, including administering the first MMR shot to infants as young as 6 months. Notably, vaccination rates in New Mexico and Texas have increased significantly, partly due to efforts to vaccinate younger infants earlier.

Data indicates that early vaccination among 6-month-olds in Texas has increased dramatically since 2019, with a recent rise to about 1 in 5 children receiving their first dose before their first birthday. Despite these improvements, overall vaccination rates fall short of the 95% coverage goal for herd immunity. For the 2023–24 school year, more than 125,000 kindergartners were missing required vaccines.

Compounding the issue are challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and shifts in federal health leadership, including delays in appointing a CDC director and controversial decisions by officials skeptical of vaccines. These factors threaten to undermine progress made in controlling this highly contagious disease.

Measles spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, making vaccination crucial. Without sufficient immunization, outbreaks are likely to continue, risking public health and the goal of disease elimination in the country.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-measles-cases-highest-disease.html