Measles Cases Surge in the U.S. Amidst Declining Vaccination Rates
The year 2025 has marked a critical point in public health as the United States experiences its highest number of measles cases in over three decades. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that more than 1,300 infections have been confirmed across at least 39 states, a situation exacerbated by a significant outbreak in West Texas, where the loss of two children to the disease has raised alarms.
Current Outbreak Overview
As reported, Texas alone has seen over 760 cases, nearly all of which have affected unvaccinated children and teenagers. The CDC highlights the importance of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, noting its high safety and effectiveness. However, despite this, the number of cases has seen a distressing rise, with severe implications for public health.
Measles is considered one of the most contagious diseases globally and can lead to serious health issues. Health professionals indicate that for unvaccinated individuals, the risk of hospitalization after contracting the virus stands at 20%. Additionally, the CDC states that approximately one in every 1,000 children infected with measles may experience brain swelling that could result in permanent damage, with a mortality rate of up to 3 in 1,000 cases.
Vaccination Rates Decline
The CDC’s recent statistics indicate that vaccination rates for kindergarteners have dipped from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year to just 92.7% in 2023-2024. This drop is particularly concerning as health experts assert that achieving a vaccination coverage of 95% or higher is crucial to ensure herd immunity within communities. This immunity protects even those who are not vaccinated.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly encouraged vaccinations in response to the outbreak, despite his previously controversial history regarding vaccine misinformation. In a recent interview with CBS News, he conveyed, “We encourage people to get the measles vaccine,” emphasizing that while vaccination should be promoted, mandates should not be enforced.
Impact of the Outbreak in Texas
The outbreak in West Texas has been particularly tragic, with both children who succumbed to measles being unvaccinated and without any underlying health conditions. Local health authorities reported these incidents, highlighting the urgency of the situation. New Mexico has also recorded the measles-related death of an adult, further underscoring the threat posed by the disease.
Historical Context
The current measles crisis is reminiscent of previous outbreaks, such as the 2019 incident where 1,274 cases were documented, mainly attributed to incidents in New York, California, and Washington. The last recorded measles-related death prior to 2025 occurred in California in 2019, demonstrating the seriousness of the current situation.
Measles Case Tracking
The CBS News data team is actively monitoring the surge in confirmed measles cases nationwide, providing updated figures as they are made available by state health departments and the CDC. Below is a summary table detailing the measles cases reported in 2025.
| State | Confirmed Cases |
|---|---|
| Texas | 760 |
| California | 180 |
| New York | 150 |
| Florida | 120 |
| Other States | 90 |
This troubling rise in measles cases amidst declining vaccination rates emphasizes the vital role of public health initiatives and community engagement to combat vaccine hesitancy. Ensuring a return to robust vaccination levels is essential in preventing further outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.
