The number of reported measles cases in the United States has surged to a staggering 33-year high, with nearly 1,300 confirmed infections documented as of Friday. This alarming data, released by Johns Hopkins University, highlights a significant milestone in an ongoing outbreak of this highly contagious, yet vaccine-preventable disease, which was previously believed to be eliminated in the US.
This year alone, measles cases have been reported across 38 states and the District of Columbia. Tragically, at least three individuals have succumbed to the illness, while 155 others remain hospitalized. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a vast majority—92%—of reported measles cases involve individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains unknown.
The state hardest hit by this outbreak is Texas, where CDC data indicates that over 700 cases have been reported. Other states experiencing a significant number of cases include Kansas and New Mexico. Health officials have noted that measles transmission is primarily occurring in communities with lower vaccination rates, such as certain Mennonite communities in Texas that choose to opt out of modern medicine.
The current outbreak coincides with a troubling increase in anti-vaccine sentiment across the United States and other parts of the world. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously spread misinformation regarding childhood vaccinations and downplayed the outbreak. However, he has since reversed his stance, endorsing the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective means of preventing measles transmission.
Historically, measles cases in the US peaked in 1990, with nearly 28,000 reported infections, according to CDC statistics. The disease was declared eliminated around 2000, thanks to high vaccination rates and effective outbreak response, with cases dropping to fewer than 90. However, a slight increase in cases was noted in 2014 and again in 2019, when 1,274 confirmed infections were reported. Alarmingly, 2025 has already surpassed that figure, with 1,277 infections reported across the nation.
Public health experts warn that the United States may lose its measles elimination status if the current rate of measles transmission continues for more than 12 months. In response to the outbreak, there has been a noticeable uptick in individuals seeking the measles vaccine. Data from the Texas health department shows that between January 1 and March 16, the state administered at least 173,000 doses of measles vaccine, compared to 158,000 during the same period last year.
The MMR vaccine is recognized as the most effective defense against the dangerous measles virus, which can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. The vaccine boasts a 97% effectiveness rate and also protects against mumps and rubella.
Measles outbreaks are not confined to the US. Other countries, including the UK, have also reported surges in measles cases. Last year marked the highest number of confirmed cases in England since 2012, with nearly 3,000 infections. Since January of this year, 529 cases have been reported in England alone. Additionally, Canada is facing a measles outbreak, with over 3,000 reported cases in 2025, primarily concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta.
As the situation unfolds, public health officials continue to emphasize the critical importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of this virulent disease. The resurgence of measles cases underscores the need for increased awareness and action to protect public health.
