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

Strategic Insights -

Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a 33-year high, with 1,288 confirmed infections in 39 states, reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Wednesday. This resurgence is a cause for concern as it surpasses the highest annual count since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. The case count as of July 8 has already passed the highest annual count. Despite immunization campaigns, outbreaks have occurred in various locations, including West Texas, where low immunization rates and high numbers of school exemptions contributed to the spread of the contagious virus.

Key Takeaways:

  • Measles cases in the U.S. have hit a 33-year high, with 1,288 confirmed infections in 39 states.
  • The case count as of July 8 has already passed the highest annual count since measles was declared eliminated in 2000.
  • There have been 27 outbreaks reported in the U.S. so far this year, accounting for 88% of the cases.
  • 92% of the confirmed measles cases were in individuals who were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.
  • 13% of the cases led to hospitalizations.
  • Three confirmed deaths have been reported.
  • 368 (29%) of the cases were in children younger than 5, and 469 (36%) were in kids between the ages of 5 and 19 years old.
  • Vaccination coverage among kindergartners has been falling and is now below the herd immunity target of 95%, per the CDC.
  • The MMR shot is safe and effective, but there has been a decline in immunization rates due to misinformation about vaccine safety and benefits.

Statistics:

  • 1,288: the number of confirmed measles cases in 39 states.
  • 27: the number of outbreaks reported in the U.S. so far this year.
  • 88%: the percentage of cases accounted for by these 27 outbreaks.
  • 92%: the percentage of confirmed measles cases in individuals who were unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown.
  • 13%: the percentage of cases that led to hospitalizations.
  • 3: the number of confirmed deaths.
  • 368: the number of cases in children younger than 5 (29% of total cases).
  • 469: the number of cases in kids between the ages of 5 and 19 years old (36% of total cases).
  • 95%: the herd immunity target for vaccination coverage, currently below due to misinformation about vaccines.

Sources:

  • Axios (https://www.axios.com/2025/07/07/measles-cases-high-eliminated-us)
  • Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html)
  • Axios (https://www.axios.com/2025/02/13/texas-measles-outbreak-fans-fears-of-wider-rebound)
  • Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease