• Measles cases in the U.S. reached 1,288 as of July 2025, the highest since 1992.
• Over 750 cases are linked to an outbreak in Texas, leading to multiple fatalities.
• CDC warns the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status due to low vaccination rates.

Confirmed measles cases in the United States have soared to 1,288, marking the highest level in over three decades. The spike in cases surpasses the previous record of 1,274 set in 2019, when the U.S. almost lost its elimination status for the disease, which was declared eliminated in 2000, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as reported by CBS News, ABC News, and Reuters.

The outbreak has been particularly severe in Texas, where more than 750 cases have been documented, leading to the deaths of two unvaccinated children and an adult in New Mexico. Health officials point to a significant decline in vaccination rates as the primary cause for the outbreak, with only 82% of kindergarteners in the affected areas up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, well below the 95% threshold needed to achieve herd immunity, as detailed by the CDC and reported by HuffPost, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.

This significant rise in measles cases comes as national vaccination coverage declines, with a study indicating that MMR vaccination rates fell from 93.92% during the 2017-2018 school year to 91.26% in the 2023-2024 school year across 33 states. The CDC attributes this drop to pandemic-related hesitancies and misinformation around vaccine safety. Experts warn that further declines in vaccine confidence could lead to more widespread outbreaks, echoing concerns voiced by Johns Hopkins pediatrician William Moss, who explained, “The U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status should cases continue at this rate,” according to HuffPost, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.

Outbreaks stemming from under-vaccinated communities have occurred not just in Texas, but also in other states, leading to a national concern about the spread of measles. The measles vaccine is reported to be 97% effective after two doses, making vaccination a critical public health strategy to prevent the disease, as emphasized by health officials. However, the spread of disinformation regarding vaccine safety continues to undermine public confidence, further complicating the situation and the response to measles outbreaks, according to research and data from various health organizations cited by HuffPost, ABC News, and Los Angeles Times.