In a concerning development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant surge in measles cases across 15 states in the United States, with over 1,000 confirmed cases in 2025 alone. This marks the second-highest annual case count in the past 25 years, surpassed only by the 2019 outbreak, which recorded over 1,200 cases. The resurgence of this highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease has been linked to declining vaccination rates, fueled by widespread anti-vaccine misinformation campaigns. As public health officials scramble to contain the outbreaks, experts warn that the U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status, achieved in 2000, if vaccination rates continue to decline.
A Growing Public Health Crisis
As of May 2025, the CDC has documented 1,046 confirmed measles cases across 30 states, with active outbreaks—defined as three or more related cases—reported in 15 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and others. Texas has emerged as the epicenter, accounting for the majority of cases, particularly in Gaines County, where 57% of the state’s infections have been reported in a close-knit, under-vaccinated community. New Mexico follows closely, with 71 cases, primarily in Lea County, near the Texas border. Tragically, three deaths have been reported this year—two unvaccinated children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico—underscoring the severity of the outbreak.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, capable of infecting up to 18 unvaccinated individuals from a single case in a population with no immunity. The CDC estimates that 12-13% of measles patients in the U.S. this year have required hospitalization, with the majority being children under 19. About 96% of cases have occurred among individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, highlighting the critical role of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing the disease.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine—administered at 12 to 15 months and again between 4 and 6 years of age—for optimal protection. One dose is 93% effective, while two doses provide 97% efficacy against measles. Despite this, vaccination rates among U.S. kindergartners have slipped to 92.7% in the 2023-24 school year, down from 95.2% in 2019-20, falling short of the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
The Role of Misinformation in Fueling Outbreaks
The current measles surge has been closely tied to anti-vaccine misinformation campaigns that have gained traction in recent years. A KFF poll conducted in April 2025 revealed that 63% of U.S. adults have heard false claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism—a myth debunked by numerous high-quality studies. Additionally, one in three adults reported hearing that the MMR vaccine is more dangerous than the disease itself, a belief that has risen by 15% since March 2024. These misconceptions have contributed to vaccine hesitancy, particularly among parents, leading to lower vaccination rates and increased vulnerability to outbreaks.
Public health experts point to influential figures and social media as key drivers of misinformation. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, has faced criticism for spreading unfounded claims about the MMR vaccine, including suggestions that it contains “aborted fetus debris and DNA particles” or causes autism. While Kennedy has recently endorsed the MMR vaccine, his history of promoting alternative treatments, such as vitamin A as a measles preventive, has been cited as contributing to public distrust. A 2025 Scientific American article described these efforts as part of a broader “propaganda campaign” targeting vaccine-skeptical audiences, particularly within certain political and religious communities.
In Texas, misinformation has been particularly damaging in close-knit groups, such as Mennonite communities, where vaccine skepticism is prevalent. Similar patterns have been observed in New Mexico and other outbreak areas, where distrust in public health authorities has hindered vaccination efforts. The CDC and local health departments have emphasized that vaccines are the most effective tool for preventing measles, with no evidence supporting alternative treatments like vitamin A for prevention.
Local Responses and Success Stories
Despite the challenges, some communities have made significant strides in combating the outbreak through robust vaccination campaigns. In Texas, new data from Truveta shows that the percentage of 6-month-old babies receiving their first MMR dose in April 2025 increased by more than 30 times the previous year’s average. This surge in vaccinations, particularly in outbreak areas like Gaines County, has been credited with slowing the spread of the virus. Parents like Melody Montes, who vaccinated her 6-month-old daughter amid the outbreak, have expressed trust in medical professionals and a commitment to protecting their children’s health.
Local health departments have also implemented innovative strategies, such as wastewater monitoring to detect early signs of measles outbreaks. In Texas, this initiative, funded by the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, has provided critical data to guide public health responses. The CDC has urged individuals in outbreak areas to verify their vaccination status and seek boosters if needed, particularly for those traveling to regions with active measles transmission.
The Broader Implications
The resurgence of measles in the U.S. serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of declining vaccination rates. Experts warn that if current trends continue, measles could become endemic again, reversing decades of progress. A 2022 study projected that without catch-up vaccinations for children who missed doses during the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 21% of U.S. children—approximately 15 million—could be vulnerable to measles over the next five years.
The politicization of public health has further complicated efforts to address the crisis. Budget cuts and layoffs at the CDC, coupled with reduced federal funding for vaccine programs, have strained the agency’s ability to respond effectively. The cancellation of $11 billion in COVID-related grants, which supported vaccine clinics and outreach, has raised concerns about the sustainability of programs like Vaccines for Children, which provides free vaccines to uninsured families.
Public health professionals are calling for a renewed focus on science-based communication to rebuild trust in vaccines. Dr. Whitney Harrington of Seattle Children’s Hospital emphasized, “Vaccines are the single most important public health intervention for preventing infectious diseases.” She urged parents to consult trusted healthcare providers to address concerns and ensure their children are protected.
Moving Forward
As the U.S. grapples with this measles surge, the path forward requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening vaccination campaigns, countering misinformation with clear, evidence-based messaging, and restoring funding for public health initiatives are critical steps. The CDC continues to update case counts weekly, providing a vital resource for tracking the outbreak’s progression. For the latest data, visit the CDC’s measles page.
Communities must also remain vigilant, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. Travelers to outbreak regions or international destinations with endemic measles should ensure they are fully vaccinated to prevent further spread. The stakes are high: measles is not just a childhood illness but a potentially deadly disease that can cause severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations like infants and immunocompromised individuals.
The current outbreak is a wake-up call for the nation. By prioritizing vaccinations and combating misinformation, the U.S. can protect its communities and preserve the hard-won progress against measles. For more information on the outbreak and vaccination recommendations, check the CDC’s official guidance and stay informed through trusted sources like NBC News’ measles tracker.
Measles Cases Surge in 15 U.S. States Amid Anti-Vaccine Misinformation Campaigns
A Growing Public Health Crisis
As of May 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,046 confirmed measles cases across 30 states, with active outbreaks in 15 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Texas leads with the majority of cases, particularly in Gaines County, where 57% of the state’s infections are concentrated in a close-knit, under-vaccinated community. New Mexico has reported 71 cases, mostly in Lea County. Three deaths—two unvaccinated children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico—highlight the outbreak’s severity.
Measles, one of the most contagious diseases, can infect up to 18 unvaccinated individuals from a single case. The CDC notes that 12-13% of measles patients this year have been hospitalized, mostly children under 19. Approximately 96% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine—at 12-15 months and 4-6 years—for 97% protection against measles. However, kindergarten vaccination rates have dropped to 92.7% in 2023-24, below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
The Role of Misinformation in Fueling Outbreaks
Anti-vaccine misinformation has significantly contributed to the outbreak. A KFF poll from April 2025 found that 63% of adults have heard false claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism, a myth debunked by extensive research. One in three adults believe the vaccine is more dangerous than measles, a 15% increase from 2024. These misconceptions have fueled vaccine hesitancy, particularly in communities like Texas’s Mennonite population, where distrust in public health is high.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been criticized for spreading debunked claims, including suggestions that the MMR vaccine contains harmful substances or causes autism. Despite recently endorsing the vaccine, his promotion of unproven alternatives like vitamin A has undermined public trust. Experts warn that such misinformation, amplified by social media, threatens national health efforts.
Local Responses and Success Stories
In Texas, vaccination efforts have shown progress. Truveta data indicates a 30-fold increase in 6-month-old babies receiving their first MMR dose in April 2025 compared to the previous year, slowing the outbreak in areas like Gaines County. Parents like Melody Montes have prioritized vaccinating their children, trusting pediatricians’ guidance. Wastewater monitoring, funded by the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, has also helped detect outbreaks early.
The Broader Implications
Without intervention, measles could become endemic again. A 2022 study estimated that 21% of U.S. children—15 million—could be vulnerable to measles in the next five years if vaccination rates don’t improve. Budget cuts, including $11 billion in canceled COVID-related grants, have strained the CDC and programs like Vaccines for Children, threatening outbreak response capabilities.
Moving Forward
Combating the measles surge requires robust vaccination campaigns, clear communication to counter misinformation, and restored public health funding. The CDC’s weekly updates provide critical data, available at CDC’s measles page. Travelers and residents in outbreak areas should verify their vaccination status. By prioritizing vaccines and science-based policies, the U.S. can protect communities and maintain its measles elimination status. For more details, visit NBC News’ measles tracker.
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