Measles Cases in US Reach 30-Year High

The number of measles cases in the United States has reached the highest level in over 30 years, as per data from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A total of 1,288 measles cases have been confirmed in 2025, with 13% of cases requiring hospitalization. This marks the worst year since 1992 when 2,126 cases were reported. The cases have been documented in 38 states, with Texas alone reporting 753 cases. Out of the total cases, 27 outbreaks have been recorded, with 88% of cases linked to these outbreaks. The CDC states that 92% of these cases are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.

Measles, an airborne and highly infectious disease, was eradicated from the US in 2000. New cases only emerge when individuals contract the virus abroad and bring it back to the country. Before the measles vaccine, thousands were hospitalized annually, with hundreds of deaths reported in the US each year.

Measles is a contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. It can lead to severe illness, complications, and fatalities, primarily affecting children. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a body rash. Vaccination is crucial in preventing measles and its transmission. The vaccine is safe and boosts the body's immunity against the virus.

Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, frequent epidemics caused millions of deaths every year. Despite the availability of a vaccine, an estimated 107,500 deaths occurred in 2023, with children under five being the most affected group.