In the U.S., a drop in childhood vaccination rates combined with an outbreak in an under-vaccinated area of West Texas has led to the highest number of measles cases in 2025 since the disease was declared eliminated. This year, there have been at least 1,277 confirmed cases, surpassing the previous record of 1,274 set in 2019, and we’re only halfway through the year.
Health experts are concerned that actual cases are likely underreported, with three deaths confirmed so far this year—all unvaccinated individuals. This matches the total deaths from measles in the U.S. over the last 25 years. The disease was proclaimed eliminated in 2000, thanks largely to vaccination efforts, particularly the widely available MMR vaccine that began to be used in the 1970s.
Historically, since the elimination declaration, the annual average has been around 180 measles cases. The situation escalated in 2019 with outbreaks in New York, primarily within Orthodox Jewish communities, fueled by anti-vaccine misinformation.
This year, most cases have appeared in Texas—over 750 linked to one outbreak that began in late January. If the cases continue to rise through January of next year, the country might lose its elimination status.
More than 400 cases this year have been reported specifically from Gaines County, where vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Nearly a quarter of kindergartners there didn’t receive the required MMR vaccine last school year—a worrying statistic.
There have also been numerous cases linked to the outbreak in New Mexico and Oklahoma. In reaction to the situation, vaccination clinics were established, providing coverage to thousands. Especially in New Mexico, MMR vaccinations have almost doubled compared to last year’s numbers.
An analysis revealed that early vaccination rates among infants in Texas have surged to eight times higher than in 2019. In some places, about one in five children received their first measles shot before their first birthday.
While the West Texas outbreak seems to be slowing down, cases are still appearing across the nation, with at least 27 total outbreaks reported this year. For instance, a case in Colorado resulted from an infectious traveler, leading to wider community spread.
Other notable outbreaks are occurring in Canada and Mexico, where high rates of measles have also led to fatalities. Mexico, particularly, issued a warning for travelers to the U.S. and Canada amid rising case numbers.
This year, most measles cases in the U.S. involve unvaccinated individuals, with a small percentage occurring among those who received the MMR vaccine. Approximately 155 people have been hospitalized due to measles this year, with a significant portion of cases in young children.
The MMR vaccine has proven to be safe and highly effective, yet measles remains incredibly contagious. U.S. health officials aim for 95% vaccination coverage among kindergarteners, a goal not met for the last four years. In the 2023-24 school year, a record number of kindergarteners were exempt from required vaccinations, putting many children at risk.
During the earlier surge in 2019, public health officials strongly encouraged vaccination. However, current CDC leadership issues have raised concerns. For instance, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. showed conflicting positions on vaccination, which caused unease among health professionals.
Some experts worry that his recent endorsement of vaccination contradicts his long-standing anti-vaccine rhetoric and could exacerbate the ongoing outbreak. With measles cases climbing amid lower vaccination rates, this situation is becoming increasingly precarious.
