The United States has recorded at least 1,277 measles cases across 38 states and Washington, D.C. — the highest number since 1992, surpassing the 2019 total. The outbreak reflects falling childhood vaccination rates and growing anti-vaccine sentiment fueled by post-COVID distrust in public health.
Data from Johns Hopkins show at least 155 hospitalizations and three deaths so far in 2025, including two unvaccinated children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico. Most cases — 92% — involve individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown status.
While measles was declared eliminated in 2000, health experts warn that status is under threat. MMR vaccination coverage among kindergarteners fell below 93% for the 2023–24 school year, with some communities experiencing far lower rates.
The largest outbreak is in West Texas, concentrated in a Mennonite community, with 790 reported cases and spillover into nearby states. CDC officials say most cases stem from travel-linked exposures in undervaccinated, close-knit groups.
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