U.S. Measles Cases Hit Record High in 2025
Measles, once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, has made a troubling comeback. As of mid-2025, the country has recorded at least 1,277 confirmed measles cases—already surpassing the previous high of 1,274 cases set in 2019. According to the Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation, the disease is once again spreading rapidly, raising serious concerns among public health experts.
The resurgence is largely attributed to falling childhood vaccination rates and a persistent outbreak centered in West Texas. This particular outbreak, which began in January, has accounted for over 750 cases, with Gaines County alone reporting more than 400 infections. Alarmingly, nearly 25% of kindergarteners in Gaines County lacked the required MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination during the 2024–25 school year—one of the lowest rates statewide.
Wider National Impact and International Links
The ripple effects of the West Texas outbreak have extended beyond state borders. Dozens of linked cases have emerged in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, while isolated outbreaks have popped up in at least 38 states across the country. One particular case involving an infected traveler in Colorado led to in-flight transmission and broader community spread. Meanwhile, other U.S. cases have been linked to outbreaks in Mexico and Canada, illustrating how quickly measles can cross borders.
Globally, measles cases are also surging. Mexico issued a travel advisory for those visiting the U.S. and Canada in April, and the CDC has urged all international travelers to be fully vaccinated. This renewed vigilance comes amid reports of multiple measles deaths in Mexico and one in Canada. Tragically, the U.S. has also seen three measles-related deaths this year—two children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico, all unvaccinated.
Vaccination Efforts and Public Health Response
In response to the escalating situation, emergency vaccination clinics have been established in affected regions, with some areas modifying guidelines to allow infants as young as six months to receive their first MMR dose. This shift is already yielding results: in New Mexico, MMR vaccinations nearly doubled compared to the same time last year. In Texas, early vaccinations among infants have surged, with rates eight times higher than in 2019.
Still, the CDC reports that most 2025 measles cases are among unvaccinated individuals. Only about 8% of confirmed cases had received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine. Hospitalizations are also on the rise, affecting approximately 12% of patients, including many children under five.
Policy Setbacks and Public Concerns
Despite the rising threat, leadership challenges persist. The CDC currently lacks a permanent director, and recent controversial decisions by the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have drawn criticism. Kennedy’s dismissal of a longstanding vaccine advisory panel, despite an ongoing outbreak, has alarmed public health professionals.
Physicians and health authorities continue to advocate for the MMR vaccine, which remains one of the safest and most effective protections against measles. Yet, with national vaccination coverage dipping below the 95% threshold for four consecutive years, experts fear that the country may be on the brink of losing its measles elimination status.
