The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of 2025, a total of 1,288 confirmed cases have been reported across 38 states, making this the worst year for measles since 1992, when 2,126 cases were recorded.
Texas Worst-Hit; Outbreaks Linked to Unvaccinated Individuals
Texas alone has reported 753 cases, accounting for more than half of the national total. The CDC noted that 27 separate outbreaks have been documented in 2025, with 88% of all confirmed cases linked to these outbreaks.
Alarmingly, 92% of the infected individuals were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, raising serious concerns about declining immunization rates. So far, 13% of patients have required hospitalization.
Measles Had Been Eliminated in the U.S.
The CDC reminded that measles had been officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer spreading continuously within the country. Historically, new cases were imported by unvaccinated travelers returning from countries where measles is still common.
Measles: A Dangerous but Preventable Disease
Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness, spread through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It begins with symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, and in some cases, death. In 2023 alone, 107,500 people—mostly children under five—died from measles globally, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine.
CDC Urges Vaccination
The CDC continues to stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. Before widespread vaccination began in 1963, the U.S. experienced major measles epidemics every 2–3 years, resulting in 48,000 hospitalizations and 400–500 deaths annually.
With cases once again on the rise, public health officials are urging Americans to ensure they are fully vaccinated, particularly ahead of international travel.
