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Epidemiology

Measles Cases in US Reach 25-Year High as Experts Warn of Potential Loss of Measles-Elimination Status

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The US is experiencing a significant surge in measles cases, with over 1,270 confirmed cases this year, surpassing the previous record of 1,274 cases set in 2019. This alarming trend has led experts to warn that the country may lose its measles-elimination status if cases linked to the Texas outbreak continue into 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of confirmed measles cases in the US has reached its highest level in 25 years, with over 1,270 cases reported this year.
  • Three people in the US have died from measles, with all of them being unvaccinated.
  • The biggest outbreak is centered in West Texas, where nearly 1 in 4 kindergartners did not get their required measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot during the 2024-25 school year.
  • Air travel has contributed to the spread of the disease, with an out-of-state visitor in Colorado flying while contagious, leading to several new cases.
  • At least 38 states have reported measles cases this year, with at least 27 separate outbreaks.
  • The MMR vaccine is very effective, with one dose being 93% effective against measles and two doses being 97% effective.
  • Some states have expanded vaccine access, allowing infants to get their first MMR shot at 6 months old, instead of waiting until 1 year.
  • National vaccination rates are not where they need to be, with the US missing its goal of 95% of kindergartners getting two MMR doses for four years in a row.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,270 confirmed measles cases in the US this year, surpassing the previous record of 1,274 cases set in 2019.
  • Three US deaths attributed to measles this year, with all being unvaccinated.
  • 93% effective rate of one dose of the MMR vaccine against measles.
  • 97% effective rate of two doses of the MMR vaccine against measles.
  • Nearly 30% of measles cases this year have been in children under 5.
  • At least 38 states have reported measles cases this year.
  • Over 125,000 kindergartners in the US missed at least one required vaccine in the 2023-24 school year.

Sources:

  • CNN, July 5, 2025
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • American Medical Association (AMA)

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