The United States is facing a serious health challenge as measles cases continue to climb at an alarming rate. As of Friday, 25 April 2025, more than 900 measles cases have been confirmed across the country — the highest number for this time of year in decades.
Where Are the Measles Outbreaks Happening?
Cases have been reported across 29 states.
The majority are in and around Texas, where the outbreak is especially severe.
Close-knit communities with low vaccination rates have been the hardest hit.
According to the latest updates:
On 24 April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 884 cases.
On 25 April, Texas health officials added 22 more cases, pushing the national total to at least 906.
Most infections are occurring among unvaccinated children and teenagers.
The Situation in Texas
Texas has become the epicentre of the outbreak:
Since late January, 664 cases have been identified in the state.
64 patients have required hospitalisation.
Two unvaccinated school-aged children with no underlying health issues have sadly died.
In New Mexico, an unvaccinated adult has also died from the infection.
This brings the measles death toll for 2025 to three — a worrying sign of the disease’s severity.
A Record-Breaking Year for Measles Cases
The number of cases this year is breaking records:
Only 2019 had more cases, with 1,274 recorded over the entire year.
By comparison, in 2019, there were just 704 cases by 26 April — much fewer than today’s figure of over 900.
Before 2019, the highest number of annual cases was in 1994, with 899 cases — already surpassed in 2025.
Worry Over Measles Elimination Status
In 2000, the US celebrated eliminating continuous measles transmission. However, experts now fear that the country could lose its elimination status again.
A new study published in JAMA by Stanford University researchers warns:
Measles could become endemic (regularly circulating) in the US within 20 years.
If vaccination rates stay at current levels, the country could see 850,000 measles cases over the next 25 years.
This could lead to 170,000 hospitalisations and 2,500 deaths.
If vaccination rates drop by 10%, the projections skyrocket to 11 million cases.
(Source: JAMA Network)
Falling Vaccination Rates: A Major Concern
Vaccination coverage for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is declining:
In 2019, the national MMR vaccination rate among kindergartners was 95%.
By the 2023–24 school year, it had fallen to 92.7%.
95% coverage is the threshold needed to stop measles from spreading.
(Source: CDC)
Experts Warn of a Return to the Past
In a recent update, CDC researchers highlighted the dangers:
More international travellers are bringing measles back from countries with ongoing outbreaks.
Lower vaccination rates across many US states are making it easier for measles to spread.
The combination of these factors could make measles a constant threat in the US once again.
The CDC strongly urged increasing vaccination rates, stating:
“Increasing national and local MMR vaccination coverage is essential to preventing measles cases and outbreaks.”
(Source: CDC Measles Update)
Final Thoughts
The growing measles outbreak in the United States is a stark reminder of how crucial vaccination programmes are. With cases and deaths already breaking modern records, public health experts are calling for urgent action to improve vaccination coverage and protect vulnerable communities.
Staying informed, getting vaccinated, and encouraging others to do the same are essential steps in preventing further tragedies.