US measles cases in 2025 surpass total number of cases in 2024
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The measles outbreak continues to grow, as vaccination rates in some areas of Texas and other affected areas fell below 95%, the required threshold for "herd immunity."
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A vial of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is on display at the Lubbock Health Department on February 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas (AP)
The number of measles cases in the United States continues to rise, surpassing the total number of cases recorded in 2024 within just 3 months in 2025.
Amid a multistate outbreak, the total number of cases has neared 300, with Texas reporting 259 this year, New Mexico recording 35, and Oklahoma confirming two. Experts warn that the actual figures are likely much higher.
Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 285 measles cases in 2024, while a CNN tally indicates at least 320 cases in 2025, including 296 linked to the multistate outbreak, as numbers continue to rise.
"As I'm seeing this outbreak unfold it brings me back to the year 2000 when the United States declared that measles was eradicated from our country,” Dr. Dan Barouch said according to CNN on Sunday, pointing out that “The split screen of what’s happening now and the fact that it was deemed to be eradicated 25 years ago, I think highlights the deterioration of proven preventative measures." He noted that the current outbreak might be much larger than the US realizes.
The year 2025 is one of only five years in which measles cases surpassed 100 and the third where they exceeded 200. So far, 91 cases have been reported among children aged 0-4, and 125 among individuals aged 5-17.
With 257 cases reported in Texas—all but two involving unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status—and 33 out of 35 cases in New Mexico following the same pattern, the trend remains consistent across both states.
US Health Secretary RFK makes measles top priority
This closely follows an announcement by the US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy that “Ending the measles outbreak is a top priority for me and my extraordinary team,” on March 2, after he initially downplayed the outbreak as "not unusual."
RFK is known as a "vaccine conspiracy theorist" who is now shutting down vaccine-related initiatives, starting with ordering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to halt several campaigns that encourage vaccination.
Kennedy stated that his federal Department of Health and Human Services would distribute 2,000 doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to Texas through its immunization program, while the vaccine itself is typically administered in two doses—the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between four and six years.
Health officials in Texas confirmed on February 26 the first death linked to a measles outbreak affecting the South Plains and Panhandle regions. The victim, a school-aged child who had not been vaccinated, passed away in Lubbock after testing positive for the disease.
Health officials link the outbreak to declining vaccination rates, especially in Gaines County, Texas, where just 82% of kindergarteners have received the measles vaccine—falling short of the 95% needed for herd immunity—while most cases involve unvaccinated children between the ages of 5 and 17.
Measles: Highly infectious, severe risks
Measles is one of the most contagious airborne viruses, spreading through coughing, sneezing, and even lingering in the air for hours. Young children are at the highest risk for severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. The measles vaccine is 97% effective, offering near-total protection. However, unvaccinated individuals face an almost 100% risk of infection upon exposure.
Health experts are urging immediate action to boost vaccination rates and contain the outbreak before it spreads further. The CDC, state health departments, and local officials are working to increase immunization efforts, particularly in low-vaccination areas.
