Measles outbreak spreads in US
The United States is witnessing a significant rise in measles cases, with early 2025 numbers surpassing the total reported cases in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of March 28, 2025, the CDC has confirmed 483 measles cases across 20 states, including two deaths and 70 hospitalizations. In contrast, only 285 cases were recorded in 33 states throughout 2024.
Texas has emerged as the epicenter of the outbreak, with 400 reported cases since late January. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that 41 patients have been hospitalized, and a school-aged child who was unvaccinated and had no known underlying conditions succumbed to the disease.
Health officials have issued warnings, urging vaccination to curb the outbreak. The CDC reported a decline in the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage among kindergarteners, dropping from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.7% in 2023-2024. This decline has left approximately 280,000 children at risk.
Epidemiologist Michael Mina, quoted by CNN, stated that the outbreak is being driven by unvaccinated individuals. The New Jersey Department of Health further confirmed that 95% of cases reported in 2025 involved unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
“If a measles outbreak continues for a year or more, the United States could lose its measles elimination status,” the CDC warned.
The US had declared measles eliminated in 2000, signifying no continuous disease transmission. However, the current outbreak threatens that status as health authorities work to contain its spread.
