The United States is witnessing a significant resurgence of measles, with 800 cases reported between January 1 and April 17, 2025. This marks the second-highest annual case count in the past 25 years, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 24, 2025.
Concentration in Specific Regions
Approximately 82% of the cases are associated with an ongoing outbreak in close-knit communities with low vaccination coverage in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Vaccination Status
Among the 800 reported cases, 96% occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Specifically, 77% were unvaccinated, and 14% had unknown vaccination status, excluding 590 cases from Texas, where immunization registry participation requires explicit consent.
Hospitalizations and Fatalities
The outbreak has led to 85 hospitalizations (11% of cases) and three deaths, underscoring the severity of measles and its potential complications.
Imported Cases
Of the 48 internationally imported cases, 92% occurred among U.S. residents, highlighting the role of international travel in reintroducing measles into the country.
Public Health Implications
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 due to high two-dose coverage with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, the current outbreak demonstrates that measles can resurface in communities with low vaccination rates, especially following international importation.
To prevent further cases and outbreaks, the CDC recommends that health departments:
- Engage in culturally competent community outreach and education.
- Collaborate with trusted community leaders to promote vaccination.
- Implement infection prevention strategies, including case isolation, contact monitoring, and post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Coordinate with healthcare facilities and schools to increase MMR vaccination coverage.
- Increasing national and local MMR vaccination coverage is essential to preventing measles cases and outbreaks.
READ THE FULL REPORT:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles Update — United States, January 1–April 17, 2025. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), April 24, 2025.