Measles is making a dangerous comeback in the United States. So far this year, the country has seen more than 1,270 confirmed measles cases, the highest number in 25 years, according to new data from Johns Hopkins University. The previous record of 1,274 cases was set in 2019.
Health experts believe the actual number may be even higher, as many cases go unreported. So far, three people have died from measles—two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico. All three were unvaccinated, according to CNN.
Measles is spreading again across the US
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. In 2000, the US had declared measles eliminated due to the widespread use of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. But now, falling vaccination rates are helping the disease return.
Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned, “With an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses.”
West Texas is at the centre of the outbreak
The largest outbreak this year started in West Texas in January, with more than 750 cases reported so far. The epicentre was Gaines County, which has one of the lowest childhood vaccination rates in the state. Shockingly, nearly 1 in 4 kindergartners there did not get their MMR vaccine during the 2024–25 school year.
The outbreak has since spread to New Mexico and Oklahoma, and may be connected to cases in Kansas as well.
Measles now reported in 38 states
At least 38 US states have reported measles cases this year, with 27 separate outbreaks, according to CNN. Air travel has also played a role in spreading the virus. In Colorado, one infected traveller flew while contagious. That one case led to new infections, including people who were just at the airport at the same time.
Since measles spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, talking, or touching contaminated surfaces, it can move quickly in public places.
US is no more “Measles-free”
Since 2000, the US has usually seen around 180 measles cases per year. Experts now fear that if the current outbreak, especially the one in Texas, continues into 2026, the US could lose its measles-elimination status.
Most victims are young and unvaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nearly 30 per cent of this year’s measles cases are in children under 5, and about 1 in 8 infected people have been hospitalised. The vast majority of those infected were not vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective. One dose gives 93 per cent protection, while two doses offer 97 per cent protection against measles.
Some states act quickly, but national rates still low
In response to the surge in cases, some states have allowed infants to get their first MMR shot as early as 6 months old, instead of the usual 12 months. Early vaccination rates have gone up. New Mexico’s MMR rates nearly doubled, and Texas saw a major jump, too.
Healthcare data firm Truveta reports that in March and April 2024, about 1 in 5 children in Texas got their first MMR dose before their first birthday, which is eight times higher than in 2019.
Still, national vaccination rates remain below target. The US aims for 95 per cent of kindergartners to receive two MMR doses, but has missed that goal for four years in a row. During the 2023–24 school year, over 125,000 kindergartners were missing at least one required vaccine.
Vaccine hesitancy add to the crisis
Public health experts warn that growing mistrust in vaccines and leadership changes are making things worse. The CDC still does not have a director, and the US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for past anti-vaccine statements, has recently dismissed the vaccine expert panel that advises national policy.
Although Kennedy made a public statement supporting vaccines in April, his past comments and new appointees have raised concerns among doctors and health officials.
With measles cases rising, and vaccination rates dropping, health leaders are urging parents to protect their children—and the community—by staying up to date on vaccines.
