In 2025, the United States is grappling with a troubling resurgence of measles, a highly contagious disease once considered eliminated in the country. Over 1,000 confirmed cases have been reported across 30 states, with at least 15 states actively battling outbreaks as of early June. This marks the second-worst year for measles since 2000, when the U.S. declared the disease eradicated. The spike in infections, driven largely by declining vaccination rates, has raised alarm among health officials and communities alike. As the nation navigates this public health challenge, concerns about vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are taking center stage.
A Growing Public Health Crisis
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to science, capable of spreading rapidly through unvaccinated populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a single infected person can transmit the virus to up to 90% of susceptible individuals in close contact. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash, but the disease can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death, particularly in young children.
As of May 2025, the CDC reported 1,088 confirmed measles cases across the U.S., with Texas accounting for roughly two-thirds of the infections. Other states, including New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado, and North Dakota, have also reported significant outbreaks. Tragically, three deaths have been linked to the disease this year: two unvaccinated children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. Approximately 13% of cases have required hospitalization, with children under 19 making up the majority of those affected.
The current outbreak is the worst since 2019, when 1,274 cases were recorded. Health experts warn that 2025 could surpass that number if trends continue. The rapid spread has been fueled by international travel and pockets of unvaccinated communities, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage, such as Gaines County, Texas, where the kindergarten vaccination rate is just under 82%—well below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
Why Are Measles Cases Rising?
The resurgence of measles is closely tied to declining vaccination rates across the U.S. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, preventing 93% of cases with one dose and 97% with two doses, as recommended by the CDC. The standard schedule calls for the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years. Despite its proven safety and efficacy, vaccination rates have dipped since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more parents opting for religious or personal exemptions for their children.
In Texas, the epicenter of the outbreak, lawmakers recently passed a bill making it easier for parents to exempt their children from school vaccination requirements. This move has sparked heated debate, with public health advocates warning that such policies could exacerbate the crisis. The state has reported over 700 cases, with 57% concentrated in Gaines County, a close-knit community with lower-than-average vaccination rates. The situation is compounded by international travel, with cases often linked to unvaccinated individuals returning from countries with active measles outbreaks, such as Mexico and Canada, where large outbreaks have also been reported.
Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation, is another significant factor. Myths linking the MMR vaccine to autism—stemming from a discredited 1998 study—continue to circulate, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. Public health experts are also concerned about recent mixed messages from influential figures, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has historically questioned vaccine safety while acknowledging their effectiveness in preventing measles. Such conflicting rhetoric can confuse parents and erode trust in public health measures.
The Impact on Communities
The measles outbreak is affecting communities across the U.S. in profound ways. In North Dakota, a recent outbreak in Williams County led to nearly 200 unvaccinated schoolchildren being quarantined for 21 days after exposure. In Colorado, an outbreak linked to an international flight landing in Denver has raised concerns about the virus spreading in public spaces. Similarly, New Jersey health officials issued an alert after an unvaccinated individual with measles attended a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium in May, potentially exposing thousands.
Children under 5, who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. The CDC reports that 30% of cases are in children under 5, while 38% are in children and teens aged 5 to 19. The vast majority—96%—of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, underscoring the critical role of vaccines in preventing outbreaks.
Public health officials are also worried about the loss of the U.S.’s measles elimination status, achieved in 2000 when continuous transmission was halted for over a year. If outbreaks persist for more than 12 months, the country could lose this designation, signaling a significant setback in public health.
Efforts to Combat the Outbreak
Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. In Texas, aggressive vaccination campaigns have helped slow the outbreak in some areas, such as El Paso and Lubbock, where wastewater analyses indicate declining infection rates. Health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children and are expanding recommendations to include an early third dose for infants aged 6 to 12 months in high-risk areas.
The CDC has also issued updated travel advisories, recommending that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before international trips. For domestic travel, additional vaccine doses may be advised for some individuals, particularly in outbreak-affected areas. Dr. Manisha Patel, chief medical officer at the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, emphasized the importance of vigilance, especially during the summer travel season when the virus can easily spread across communities.
Public health campaigns are working to counter misinformation by emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine. Experts like Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, have called the current situation a “post-herd-immunity” era, warning that declining vaccination rates could lead to more frequent and severe outbreaks of preventable diseases.
What Can Be Done?
For individuals and families, the message is clear: vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The CDC advises parents to ensure their children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine on schedule. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status can safely receive an additional dose, as it poses no harm. Community leaders and healthcare providers are also being encouraged to engage with hesitant parents, providing accurate information to rebuild trust in vaccines.
At the policy level, experts are calling for stronger advocacy from government officials and clearer messaging about the importance of vaccinations. While some states are loosening vaccine requirements, others are considering stricter mandates to protect public health. Schools, in particular, play a critical role in maintaining high vaccination rates to ensure herd immunity.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. heads into the fall, when children return to school and airborne diseases spread more easily, the trajectory of the measles outbreak remains uncertain. Public health experts stress that sustained efforts to boost vaccination rates and combat misinformation are essential to curbing the spread. The current outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of collective action to protect vulnerable populations.
For more information on measles and vaccination recommendations, visit the CDC’s official measles page or check your local health department’s guidelines. Staying informed and proactive can help communities turn the tide against this preventable disease.
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