Measles Cases in the U.S. Reach 33-Year High

Strategic Insights -

Measles cases in the United States have surged to a 33-year high, with 1,277 confirmed cases across 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI). This alarming trend is a worrying sign for public health, as the U.S. had achieved measles-free status in 2000. The rate of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine administration has also dropped to below 93 percent, contributing to the resurgence of outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that three people have died of measles-related complications this year, a stark contrast to the zero deaths between 2001 and 2014.

Key Takeaways:

  • Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a 33-year high, with 1,277 confirmed cases across 38 states and the District of Columbia.
  • The U.S. achieved measles-free status in 2000, but the current trajectory threatens to reverse this progress.
  • The rate of MMR vaccine administration has dropped from 95 percent in 2019 to below 93 percent, contributing to outbreaks.
  • Anti-vaccine messaging and distrust in federal health agencies have contributed to the surge in measles cases.
  • Three people have died of measles-related complications this year, while 155 people have been hospitalized.
  • Dr. Eric Ball, a leading pediatrician, warns that the resurgence of measles is a harbinger of things to come, including other diseases.

Statistics:

  • 1,277 confirmed measles cases across 38 states and the District of Columbia (Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation)
  • 38 states and the District of Columbia are affected by measles outbreaks (Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation)
  • 3,000 limbs were disabled in the global measles epidemic in 1968 (Washington Post)
  • 95 percent of children received the MMR vaccine in 2019 (Washington Post)
  • 93 percent of children received the MMR vaccine in 2022 (Washington Post)
  • 155 people have been hospitalized due to measles outbreaks (Washington Post)
  • 3 people have died of measles-related complications this year (Washington Post)
  • 0 deaths from measles between 2001 and 2014 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Sources:

  • (https://cori.centerforhealthsecurity.org/resources/measles-outbreak-response) - Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation
  • (https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/07/07/measles-cases-hit-record/) - Washington Post
  • (https://www.thedailybeast.com/american-measles-cases-just-broke-a-dark-record-as-outbreaks-surge/) - The Daily Beast