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Measles

Measles Cases Reach Peak in US Since 2000, Topping 1,288

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

For the first time since measles was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000, the country has seen a significant surge in cases, with 1,288 confirmed as of July 9, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks have spread to 38 states, resulting in at least 162 hospitalizations, with 92% occurring in unvaccinated people and children under the age of 19. The majority of cases are associated with an ongoing outbreak in the Southwest, with Texas reporting 753 cases across 35 counties and New Mexico reporting 95 cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has seen a peak in measles cases since the disease was declared eradicated in 2000, with 1,288 confirmed cases as of July 9.
  • Outbreaks have reached 38 states since the beginning of 2025, resulting in at least 162 hospitalizations.
  • The majority of cases, 92%, occurred in unvaccinated people and children under the age of 19.
  • The ongoing outbreak in the Southwest has centered heavily in Texas, with 753 cases reported across 35 counties.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation's top health official, has issued mixed messages on measles vaccination, encouraging the vaccine but linking it to adverse outcomes and suggesting remedies experts have warned against.
  • Experts have warned against Kennedy's comments, saying his claims are not based in science.
  • The MMR vaccine protects against measles with a 97% efficacy rate and is typically given to children as part of the regular vaccine course at ages 12 to 15 months for the first dose and ages 4 to 6 for the second.

Statistics:

  • 1,288 confirmed measles cases in the US as of July 9 (CDC).
  • Measles outbreaks have spread to 38 states since the beginning of 2025 (CDC).
  • At least 162 hospitalizations have occurred as a result of the outbreaks (CDC).
  • 92% of cases occurred in unvaccinated people and children under the age of 19 (CDC).
  • 88% of confirmed cases in 2025 are associated with the ongoing outbreak in the Southwest (CDC).
  • 753 cases have been reported in Texas, with 95 cases reported in New Mexico (CDC).
  • 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will contract the disease (World Health Organization).
  • 1 in 5 people who contract measles will end up hospitalized (CDC).
  • 97% efficacy rate of the MMR vaccine in protecting against measles (CDC).

Sources:

  • "Measles Cases Reach Peak in US Since 2000, Topping 1,288" by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.)

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