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.
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.
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:
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.
There are several reasons behind the rise and recent plateau of measles in the country:
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:
As a result, herd immunity — which requires around 95% of the population to be vaccinated — has weakened in certain areas.
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.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families skipped regular pediatric checkups and vaccine appointments. The effects of that delay are now being felt.
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:
The CDC also reminded healthcare providers to be alert for measles in patients with recent international travel or symptoms consistent with the disease.
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:
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.
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.
If you’re not vaccinated, avoid visiting areas where outbreaks have been reported. This helps reduce the risk of further spread.
Several states and cities have ramped up efforts to contain the outbreak, including:
Community leaders and local health departments are also working with religious and cultural groups to build trust in vaccines and dispel myths.
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:
| 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+ |
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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