US Sees Highest Measles Cases in 33 Years Driven by Texas Outbreak

In 2025, the United States is experiencing its highest number of measles cases in over three decades, with the outbreak predominantly originating in Texas. According to recent data from the CDC, the country has reported a total of 1,288 confirmed cases so far this year, surpassing previous record levels dating back to 1992. More than half of these cases are linked to a significant outbreak in Texas, where over 750 cases have been confirmed solely within the state, with additional cases in nearby New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Vaccine expert Dr. Peter Hotez attributes the outbreak to low vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy, particularly in counties like Gaines County, where the virus initially surfaced. He warns that the Texas outbreak could be a precursor to a broader national trend if vaccination coverage does not improve. Public health official Erin Carlson emphasizes that continued low vaccination rates threaten to fuel further outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases across the country.

The 2025 outbreak has already resulted in 162 hospitalizations, with three reported deaths, including two children in Texas. Notably, these events mark the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. in over ten years.

Measles, prevented effectively by the two-dose MMR vaccine (which is 97% effective), remains highly contagious. However, vaccination rates among children have declined in recent years, creating vulnerable communities. Low immunization levels in regions like Gaines County have facilitated the virus's spread.

Vaccine advocates such as Rekha Lakshmanan caution that the pattern observed in Texas could replicate nationally, especially as vaccine skepticism and legislative measures easing vaccine requirements gain traction. Texas lawmakers passed bills during the 2025 legislative session that make it easier for parents to opt their children out of school-mandated vaccines.

Health experts warn that if current trends persist, the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status, declared in 2000. The country can only maintain this status if no ongoing transmission occurs for more than 12 months. While the outbreak in Texas might be winding down, health authorities stress that the situation isn't over until no new cases are reported for several consecutive weeks. Continued efforts to improve vaccination coverage are vital to prevent further outbreaks and protect public health.