The United States is facing a significant public health challenge as it approaches the highest number of measles cases reported in a single year since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. As of now, a staggering total of 1,267 confirmed measles cases have been documented across 38 states this year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alarmingly, 155 individuals have been hospitalized, marking more than a threefold increase compared to all cases reported in 2024, and representing the second-highest annual case count in the U.S. in the past 25 years.
This year has also seen three documented deaths linked to measles, occurring in New Mexico and Texas. These fatalities mark the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. in over a decade. The last notable outbreak occurred in 2019, where 1,274 people were infected, leading to widespread concern as it was the worst outbreak since the elimination of endemic measles, attributed to the success of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
As of the latest updates, the state of New Jersey has reported no ongoing community spread of measles. However, the New Jersey Department of Health has acknowledged the rise in measles cases nationwide and is urging residents to ensure they are "up to date on MMR and other routine vaccines, especially before travel." For families traveling internationally with infants aged 6 to 11 months, health officials recommend consulting with pediatricians regarding the MMR vaccine.
New Jersey residents can access their immunization records through the Docket App, which connects users to the New Jersey Immunization Information System. Additionally, vaccination records might be retrievable from healthcare providers, schools, colleges, employers, the military, or obstetricians’ offices.
In 2025, New Jersey reported three measles cases, all linked to a household outbreak in February involving unvaccinated individuals. The nature of measles as a highly contagious respiratory disease means it spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room, posing a risk to unvaccinated populations.
Typical symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a distinctive red rash that often emerges three to five days after initial symptoms. Individuals can transmit the virus from four days before to four days after the rash appears, making vaccination critical for prevention.
Despite the elimination of measles 25 years ago, large outbreaks of 50 or more cases have become more common, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. Recent statistics indicate that 92% of reported cases in the U.S. in 2025 are among individuals who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that 78% of counties across the U.S. experienced a decline in vaccination rates for the MMR vaccine post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts warn that if vaccination rates continue to drop, measles could return to endemic levels. Currently, New Jersey lacks herd immunity, which requires a vaccination coverage rate of 95%. Although 93% of kindergartners in New Jersey have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, this is a slight decline from the 94.3% rate recorded in the previous year and reflects a broader trend of increasing unvaccinated populations.
The MMR vaccine is mandated for children attending school or daycare in New Jersey, unless parents or guardians secure a medical or religious exemption. Over the last decade, the number of children in New Jersey receiving religious exemptions has more than doubled, with significant increases noted in the 2014-15 school year versus the 2024-25 school year.
Specific counties in New Jersey, including Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, Ocean, and Sussex, have the highest percentages of unvaccinated children due to religious exemptions and also show the lowest rates of children meeting all immunization requirements. This trend raises concerns about community health and the potential for future outbreaks. Below are the vaccination compliance percentages for various counties:
Atlantic: 88%Bergen: 94%Burlington: 93%Camden: 92%Cape May: 87%Cumberland: 93%Essex: 90%Gloucester: 92%Hudson: 92%Hunterdon: 91%Mercer: 93%Middlesex: 92%Monmouth: 88%Morris: 93%Ocean: 83%Passaic: 93%Salem: 94%Somerset: 90%Sussex: 90%Union: 94%Warren: 92%With vaccination rates declining and public health at risk, it is crucial for New Jersey residents to stay informed and engaged in the fight against measles. Ensuring that children receive their vaccinations on schedule is the best defense against outbreaks, safeguarding not only individual health but also the health of the broader community.
For ongoing updates and more information on how to protect yourself and your family from measles, keep an eye on local health department announcements and consult with healthcare professionals regarding vaccinations.