Measles Cases Surge in the U.S.

Measles cases in the United States have reached their highest levels since the country declared the disease eliminated way back in 2000. So far this year, the U.S. has recorded 1,277 cases, according to data compiled from state health departments.

This year also marked the first measles-related deaths in a decade, with two children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico tragically passing away. All of them were unvaccinated, which is, I believe, quite alarming.

For 25 years, measles was seen as eliminated in the U.S. because it hadn’t spread continuously over a full year. Still, there are occasional outbreaks—one notably began in a Mennonite community in West Texas earlier this year. Vaccination rates there are notably low: as of the 2023–24 school year, only 82% of kindergarteners in Gaines County received their two doses of the MMR vaccine, significantly below the 95% needed to effectively prevent spread.

Dr. David Sugerman, a senior scientist at the CDC, mentioned during an advisory committee meeting that if measles continues to spread through January 20 of next year, the U.S. could lose its elimination status, which is a bit concerning.

The bulk of this year’s cases is tied to that Southwest outbreak, with Texas alone reporting over 700 cases. Meanwhile, smaller outbreaks resulting from international travel have also been noted across the nation.

This resurgence seems to stem, at least partly, from falling vaccination rates both globally and domestically. During the 2023-24 school year, less than 93% of kindergartners received the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine, a drop from 95% in the 2019-20 school year.

The situation in West Texas echoes a similar outbreak that occurred in 2019 among low-vaccination Orthodox Jewish communities in New York, which saw 1,274 cases that year. That outbreak was curtailed by a vaccination campaign that included a mandate in New York City and the administration of 60,000 doses in the affected areas, which, I think, is something to consider replicating.

Dr. Sugerman highlighted New York’s response as an impressive achievement, but he pointed out that Texas is facing funding challenges, especially after the CDC cut more than $11 billion in Covid-related funding in March. Responding to each measles case can be quite costly, anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000, which quickly adds up.

Many health experts worry that the messaging from federal officials regarding vaccines may complicate containment efforts. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has encouraged vaccination but framed it as a personal choice, while also promoting unproven treatments and mistakenly suggesting that immunity from vaccines diminishes rapidly.

An HHS spokesperson stated that the agency continues to back community efforts to combat the outbreaks and that the CDC suggests the MMR vaccine as the most effective defense against measles, but acknowledged that the decision to vaccinate rests with the individual.

Dr. Ana Montanez, a pediatrician in Lubbock and Gaines County, pointed out that misinformation has become a major challenge for healthcare providers. She has seen some patients opting for vitamin A instead of vaccinations, which, while highlighted by Kennedy as supportive, lacks clear evidence of effectiveness as a treatment for the disease. The CDC reports that vitamin A might be given under medical supervision but doesn’t serve as a cure.

“Battling the misinformation about using vitamin A for measles treatment has been quite tough,” Montanez stated.

In contrast, two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and provide lifelong protection. Measles poses particular risks to infants and young children whose immune systems may not be robust enough to fend off infections. In Texas, authorities recommend that babies aged 6 to 11 months receive an early dose, while unvaccinated children over 12 months should get one dose followed by another 28 days later.

The symptoms of measles usually start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Patients may then develop white spots in their mouths and a blotchy red rash. Severe complications can include pneumonia or brain swelling.

According to the CDC, roughly 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children with measles may die due to respiratory and neurological issues.

CORRECTION (July 9, 2025, 5:06 p.m. ET): A prior version of this article incorrectly stated when the CDC cut Covid funding; it was in March, not last month.