Measles Cases in the US Reach 30-Year High

The United States is experiencing the worst year for measles cases in over three decades, with a total of 1,288 confirmed cases as of 2025. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported widespread outbreaks across 38 states, with Texas accounting for 753 cases alone. The majority of cases, 88 percent, are associated with outbreaks, and 92 percent of these cases are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.

Key Takeaways:

• The number of measles cases in the US has surpassed 1,288 as of 2025, marking the highest level in over 30 years.
• Texas has reported the highest number of cases, with 753 confirmed cases to date.
• The CDC has reported 27 measles outbreaks across 38 states in 2025.
• 88 percent of confirmed cases are outbreak-associated, and 92 percent of these cases are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.
• The measles virus was officially eliminated from the US in 2000, but new cases occur when someone contracts measles abroad and returns to the country.
• An estimated 48,000 people were hospitalized and 400 to 500 died annually due to measles before the introduction of the measles vaccine.
• The 2025 measles outbreak marks the worst year since 1992, when 2,126 cases were confirmed.

Statistics:

• 1,288 confirmed measles cases in the US as of 2025.
• 753 confirmed measles cases in Texas.
• 38 states have reported measles outbreaks in 2025.
• 27 reported measles outbreaks in 2025.
• 88 percent of confirmed cases are outbreak-associated.
• 92 percent of outbreak-associated cases are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.
• 1992: 2,126 confirmed measles cases in the US.
• 48,000 people estimated to be hospitalized annually due to measles before the introduction of the vaccine.
• 400 to 500 deaths estimated annually due to measles before the introduction of the vaccine.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
• COMTEX