Measles Cases in the US Reach 33-Year High

The annual tally of measles cases in the US is the highest in 33 years, with 1,277 confirmed cases as of July 4, surpassing the 2019 total of 1,274 cases. Americans will have to look back to 1992 to find a worse year for the vaccine-preventable disease. Experts warn that the official tally likely undercounts the scope of the outbreak.

Key Takeaways:

• The measles outbreak in west Texas is driving the surge in cases, with Texas confirming 753 cases as of 2025.
• The outbreak is the worst in 33 years, with Americans needing to look back to 1992 to find a higher annual measles tally.
• Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but vaccination rates have fallen below a critical threshold in some communities.
• The CDC reports 1,267 cases, which has not been updated since July 2, with the number of new cases having slowed down.
• The measles outbreak comes as US health policy has been disrupted by anti-vaccine sentiments and misinformation spread by influential figures.

Statistics:

• As of July 4, Johns Hopkins University's Center for Outbreak Response Innovation counted 1,277 measles cases.
• The CDC confirmed 2,126 cases in 1992, with the largest outbreaks in Kentucky and Texas.
• Texas has confirmed 753 cases in 2025, with the possibility of exceeding the 1992 annual total.
• The measles vaccine is 97% effective with two doses, making it the best way to prevent measles.
• In rare cases, measles can cause an incurable degenerative brain disorder, and can also weaken the host's immune system and lead to more future infections.
• The US has already seen three deaths from measles this year, with both deaths being in otherwise healthy children.