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Measles

Measles Outbreak in the US: Cases Surge to 800, Highest in 25 Years

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A growing measles outbreak in the US has reached alarming levels, with 800 cases reported as of April 17, 2025, according to a recent study published in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The outbreak, mainly affecting close-knit communities in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, has resulted in a 180 percent increase in cases compared to 2024, and a 25-year high. The study highlights the importance of measles vaccination coverage, as 96 percent of patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

Key Takeaways:

  • The measles outbreak in the US has reached 800 cases as of April 17, 2025, representing the second highest annual case count in 25 years.
  • 82 percent of cases in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas are associated with the ongoing outbreak.
  • The cases represent a 180 percent increase over the 285 measles cases reported in the US in 2024.
  • 96 percent of patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
  • 85 patients (11 percent) have been hospitalized and three have died as a result of the outbreak.
  • 44 of 48 internationally imported cases occurred among US residents.

Statistics:

  • 800 cases of measles reported in the US as of April 17, 2025.
  • 82 percent of cases in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas are associated with the ongoing outbreak.
  • 180 percent increase in measles cases compared to 2024.
  • 96 percent of patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
  • 85 patients (11 percent) have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
  • 3 deaths have been attributed to the outbreak.
  • 44 of 48 internationally imported measles cases occurred among US residents.

Sources:

  • "Measles Outbreak - United States, January 1, 2025-April 17, 2025." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 74, no. 15, 2025, pp. 299-304.

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