US Faces Worst Measles Outbreak in Over 30 Years

The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over three decades, with 1,288 cases reported nationally so far in 2025. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that this year's case count has already exceeded 2019, when there were 1,274 cases, putting the country at risk of losing its status of having eliminated measles if the spread continues for the entire year.

The outbreaks began five months ago in undervaccinated communities in West Texas, resulting in three deaths and numerous hospitalizations. Public health experts believe the actual case count may be higher than reported by state health departments.

Other major measles outbreaks in North America include 2,966 cases in Chihuahua state, Mexico, 2,223 cases in Ontario, Canada, and 1,230 cases in Alberta, Canada. Twelve U.S. states are currently experiencing outbreaks, while four have recently ended theirs.

The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is highly effective, with a 97% prevention rate after two doses. The World Health Organization declared measles eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.

In 2019, the CDC identified 22 outbreaks, including significant clusters in New York. This year, similar outbreaks in Canada, Mexico, and Texas are linked to large Mennonite communities.

A recent study showed a decline in childhood vaccination rates post-COVID-19 pandemic, with only 92.7% of U.S. kindergarteners receiving the MMR vaccine in the 2023-2024 school year.

State and federal funding for local public health departments' vaccination programs has remained stagnant, hindering efforts to address vaccination hesitancy.

Lauren Gardner from Johns Hopkins University highlighted the measles outbreak as a reflection of vaccination attitudes in the country, indicating a concerning trend.

According to the source: Rocky Mountain Outlook.