Measles Resurgence Across the US Fueled by Dropping Vaccination Rates
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The United States is currently experiencing a significant increase in measles cases, reaching levels not seen in several years. As of May 16, 2025, the total number of confirmed measles cases across the country stands at 1,024, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This resurgence is particularly concerning as it approaches the total of 1,274 cases reported throughout all of 2019.
Measles has now been confirmed in 30 states. Additionally, 11 states are currently experiencing active outbreaks, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Texas accounts for the vast majority of cases, with state health officials confirming 718 total cases. Oklahoma has reported 17 confirmed cases, with the age range of affected individuals being between zero and 57, and a median age of 21.
The current outbreaks have led to a notable number of hospitalizations. There have been 128 hospitalizations due to measles this year, already exceeding the total for all of the previous year. The majority of these hospitalized cases are among individuals under the age of 19. Tragically, there have also been three confirmed deaths from measles in the U.S. this year.
Health experts overwhelmingly attribute the rise in cases to individuals who have not been vaccinated against the virus. According to CDC data on nationally confirmed cases, approximately 96% are among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Only a small percentage of cases are seen in those who have received one dose (1%) or the recommended two doses (2%) of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Dr. Roy Gulick, chief of infectious disease at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, states that the cases seen are "nearly 100% in people who have not received the vaccine".
Vaccination is considered the most effective protection against measles. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first typically between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose provides about 93% effectiveness, while two doses are 97% effective at preventing the virus. As virologist and Johns Hopkins University professor Andrew Pekosz noted, "If you're vaccinated against measles, you really have very little concern with the current outbreaks... But if you're unvaccinated, you're highly susceptible to infection".
The U.S. had successfully declared measles eliminated in 2000, a significant public health achievement credited to a robust vaccination program. However, vaccination rates have been declining in recent years. Data for the 2023-2024 school year shows that 92.7% of kindergartners received the MMR vaccine, a decrease from 93.1% the previous school year and significantly lower than the 95.2% seen in the 2019-2020 school year before the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline leaves a larger portion of the population susceptible, making transmission easier. Experts warn that sustained transmission could potentially lead to the loss of the US's measles eradication status.
The ongoing outbreaks are occurring amid increased vaccine skepticism. As former CDC acting director Dr. Richard Besser highlighted, while vaccination may be viewed as a personal decision, it affects not only the individual and their child but also neighbors and family members. The concern is amplified as millions of people prepare for summer travel, increasing the potential for the highly contagious virus to spread further, as "infectious diseases, they don't respect borders,".
This resurgence of measles highlights the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect community health and prevent the spread of this dangerous, yet preventable, disease, adding another layer to the broader public health challenges we face, including those influenced by the spread of misinformation.
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