Measles Cases Reach 30-Year High in the United States

Strategic Insights -

The United States is seeing a resurgence of measles cases, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 1,267 confirmed cases this year. The country is just shy of a 30-year high, with cases peaking in the late winter and spring. The longest ongoing outbreak is in Ontario, Canada, which has resulted in 72 confirmed cases and one death since mid-October.

The majority of U.S. cases are linked to a major outbreak in Texas, which has seen 753 confirmed cases and 99 hospitalizations. The outbreak has been particularly severe in Gaines County, where 414 cases have been reported, just under 2% of the county's residents. State officials have identified 37 additional cases across 19 counties that may be linked to the outbreak.

Other states with notable measles outbreaks include New Mexico, which has seen 94 cases, and North Dakota, which has reported 34 cases. Colorado has seen 16 measles cases, including one outbreak linked to a Turkish Airlines flight. Georgia has reported three cases, and Illinois has confirmed eight cases.

Measles cases have also been reported in several other states, including Iowa, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Utah. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than twice as many measles cases have come from outside the U.S. compared to last year, with most of those cases attributed to unvaccinated Americans returning home.

The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose given between 12 and 15 months old and the second dose given between 4 and 6 years old.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United States has reported 1,267 confirmed measles cases this year, the highest number since 28 years.
  • The longest ongoing outbreak is in Ontario, Canada, resulting in 72 confirmed cases and one death since mid-October.
  • Texas has seen 753 confirmed cases and 99 hospitalizations, with the majority of cases linked to an outbreak in Gaines County.
  • Other states with notable measles outbreaks include New Mexico, North Dakota, Colorado, Georgia, and Illinois.
  • Measles cases have been reported in 24 states, with the majority of cases linked to unvaccinated individuals.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than twice as many measles cases have come from outside the U.S. compared to last year.
  • The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, with two doses recommended for children.
  • Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.

Statistics:

  • 1,267 confirmed measles cases in the United States this year (as of the time of writing).
  • 753 confirmed measles cases in Texas.
  • 414 cases in Gaines County, Texas (just under 2% of the county's residents).
  • 37 additional cases across 19 counties in Texas that may be linked to the outbreak.
  • 94 measles cases in New Mexico.
  • 34 measles cases in North Dakota.
  • 16 measles cases in Colorado.
  • 8 measles cases in Georgia.
  • 7 total measles cases in Illinois.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), May 2025
  • Texas Department of State Health Services, June 2025
  • New Mexico Department of Health, June 2025
  • North Dakota Department of Health, June 2025
  • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, June 2025
  • Georgia Department of Public Health, June 2025
  • Illinois Department of Public Health, June 2025
  • Associated Press, June 2025