Health officials across the United States have been keeping a close eye on a concerning public health development — the reemergence of measles, a disease once considered nearly eradicated from the country. Now, in a cautiously optimistic statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that the measles outbreak in the US has “hit a plateau.”
While this development brings a sense of relief, experts emphasize that it is no reason to lower our guard. The plateau does not mean the crisis is over, but rather that it’s currently not getting worse. Let’s explore what this means, why it happened, and what actions need to be taken next.
What Does It Mean That the Measles Outbreak in the US Has “Plateaued”?
When the CDC says that the measles outbreak in the US has plateaued, it means that the number of new cases being reported each week has stopped rising at the rapid pace seen earlier in the year. Instead of exponential growth, we are now seeing a relatively stable number of new infections.
This is not necessarily a sign that the outbreak is over — it simply means we are not in a sharp upward spiral anymore. However, without strong public health action, this plateau can quickly shift back into a rising trend.
A Look at the Numbers
As of June 2025, the United States has recorded over 190 confirmed cases of measles this year. This marks one of the highest annual counts in the past decade. For comparison:
- In 2010, the US saw 63 cases.
- In 2014, the number surged to 667.
- The 2019 Disneyland outbreak contributed to a total of over 1,200 cases that year — the highest since 1992.
The majority of the 2025 cases have been found in under-vaccinated communities, with clusters in several states including Florida, New York, Texas, and California.
Why Are Measles Cases Rising Again in the US?
There are several reasons behind the rise and recent plateau of measles in the country:
1. Decline in Vaccination Rates
The most significant factor behind the resurgence is the drop in vaccination coverage. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine, which is about 97% effective in preventing measles. However, vaccination rates have dipped due to:
- Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy
- Disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Religious or personal belief exemptions in some states
As a result, herd immunity — which requires around 95% of the population to be vaccinated — has weakened in certain areas.
2. Increased Global Travel
Measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly when people travel. Many recent US cases were linked to international travel, especially from countries experiencing large outbreaks.
3. Delays in Routine Childhood Immunizations
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families skipped regular pediatric checkups and vaccine appointments. The effects of that delay are now being felt.
What the CDC Is Saying
In its latest statement, the CDC noted:
“While the measles outbreak in the US has plateaued, the risk of further spread remains high, especially in communities with low vaccination coverage.”
The agency emphasized the importance of catching up on missed vaccinations and staying alert for symptoms of measles, which include:
- High fever
- Cough and runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A telltale red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads
The CDC also reminded healthcare providers to be alert for measles in patients with recent international travel or symptoms consistent with the disease.
Why Plateauing Doesn’t Mean We’re Safe
Plateauing means we’re not seeing more and more cases each week — but we’re still seeing too many cases. Here’s why the CDC and other health experts are warning against complacency:
- Measles is extremely contagious. It can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the room.
- One infected person can spread the virus to up to 90% of unvaccinated people around them.
- Even a small outbreak can quickly grow if vaccine coverage remains low.
What Parents and Individuals Can Do
1. Check Vaccination Records
Parents should review their children’s vaccine history to ensure they’ve received both doses of the MMR vaccine. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status or planning to travel should also talk to their doctor.
2. Watch for Symptoms
If you or someone in your family develops a fever and rash, especially after traveling internationally or being exposed to an outbreak area, seek medical advice immediately.
3. Avoid High-Risk Areas if Unvaccinated
If you’re not vaccinated, avoid visiting areas where outbreaks have been reported. This helps reduce the risk of further spread.
Community Efforts to Stop the Spread
Several states and cities have ramped up efforts to contain the outbreak, including:
- Free MMR vaccination clinics
- Public awareness campaigns
- Temporary school exclusions for unvaccinated children during outbreaks
- Travel advisories and airport screenings
Community leaders and local health departments are also working with religious and cultural groups to build trust in vaccines and dispel myths.
Looking Ahead: Can We Eradicate Measles Again?
The US declared measles eliminated in 2000, meaning it was no longer constantly present in the country. However, this status has been threatened in recent years due to lower vaccination rates and global travel.
Experts say that we can eliminate measles again — but only if we act decisively. That means:
- Increasing MMR vaccination coverage to 95% or higher
- Investing in public health outreach
- Combating vaccine misinformation with accurate, science-based information
- Providing easy access to vaccines for underserved populations
Measles by the Numbers (Infographic Summary)
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| US Measles Cases in 2025 (so far) | 190+ |
| Required Vaccine Coverage for Herd Immunity | 95% |
| Effectiveness of 2 MMR doses | 97% |
| Contagiousness | 90% infection rate among unvaccinated |
| Global Measles Deaths (2023 est.) | 136,000+ |
Final Thoughts: A Critical Turning Point
The announcement that the measles outbreak in the US has plateaued is both a warning and an opportunity. It’s a signal that our current efforts have prevented an even worse crisis but also a reminder that continued inaction could erase decades of public health progress.
For now, the path forward is clear: vaccinate, educate, and remain vigilant.
With coordinated efforts from individuals, communities, and government agencies, the US can reverse this trend — and once again aim to make measles a disease of the past.
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