US Faces Worst Measles Outbreak in Over 30 Years Amid Vaccine Decline
The US is experiencing its highest measles cases in over three decades, with 1,288 reported cases and three fatalities linked to the outbreak.
U.S. measles cases surge to record high since virus was declared eliminated
New York Daily News
US having its worst year for measles in more than 3 decades
Chicago Tribune
Overview
- The US has reported 1,288 measles cases across 38 states, marking the highest number in over 30 years according to the CDC.
- This year's outbreak has resulted in three deaths, including two children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico.
- Texas has the largest outbreak with 753 cases, primarily from a rural Mennonite community with low vaccination rates.
- A vaccination rate of 95% is essential for herd immunity, but current MMR vaccination rates among kindergarteners have dropped below this threshold.
- The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is 97% effective after two doses, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the measles outbreak as a significant public health crisis, emphasizing rising case numbers and vaccination rates below herd immunity thresholds. They express concern over the implications of low vaccination rates, particularly in specific communities, while highlighting the effectiveness of vaccines. The tone reflects urgency and a call for increased vaccination efforts.
"The U.S. is having its worst year for measles spread in more than three decades, with a total of 1,288 cases nationally and six months left in 2025."
Chicago Tribune"Measles cases in the United States have reached their highest number in more than 30 years, according to new federal data published Wednesday."
ABC News"The U.S. is having its worst year for measles spread in more than three decades, with a total of 1,288 cases nationally and six months left in 2025."
Chicago Tribune"The U.S. has reported 1,288 measles cases this year — the highest number in 33 years, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
NPR"The U.S. is having its worst year for measles spread in more than three decades, with a total of 1,288 cases nationally and another six months to go in 2025."
ABC News"Health experts point to lower vaccination rates as a reason for the increase in measles."
CBS NewsArticles (8)
Center (6)
FAQ
The largest measles outbreak in Texas in 2025 primarily occurred in a rural Mennonite community with low vaccination rates, contributing to the spread of the disease. The outbreak began in Gaines County and has been linked to a close-knit community with low vaccination coverage, which allowed the virus to spread extensively.
A vaccination rate of 95% is essential to achieve herd immunity and prevent measles outbreaks. Current MMR vaccination rates among kindergarteners have fallen below this threshold, contributing to increased susceptibility in the population.
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses in preventing measles, highlighting the importance of full vaccination to control and prevent outbreaks.
As of July 2025, the US has reported 1,288 confirmed measles cases across 39 jurisdictions, with three deaths linked to the outbreak, including two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico.
In the Americas region, the majority of measles cases in 2025 have occurred among adults aged 25–44 years, followed by children aged 5–9 years. A significant proportion of cases occurred among individuals with no vaccination history.
History
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