Measles Outbreak in the U.S.: Over 1,300 Cases Reported as Vaccination Rates Decline

Measles Cases Surge in the U.S. Amid Declining Vaccination Rates

As of 2025, the United States is experiencing its highest number of measles cases in over three decades, with data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating that the outbreak is primarily linked to West Texas. Tragically, two children have died as a result of this outbreak, which has seen over 760 cases reported in Texas alone and total infections surpassing 1,300 across at least 39 states.

The Risks of Measles

Measles, known for being one of the most contagious diseases, poses severe health risks that can affect the lungs and brain, potentially resulting in long-term complications such as cognitive disabilities, hearing loss, or even death. According to health experts, while most patients experience manageable symptoms, approximately 20% of unvaccinated individuals infected with measles will require hospitalization. Moreover, the CDC estimates that 1 in 1,000 infected children may face serious brain swelling leading to irreversible brain damage, and up to 3 children per 1,000 infected may succumb to the disease.

Current Outbreak Status

The outbreak in West Texas has predominantly affected children and teenagers, most of whom have not received vaccinations or whose vaccination status remains unknown. The Texas health department has confirmed that the first reported death involved an unvaccinated school-aged child, followed by an unvaccinated 8-year-old girl, both of whom had no pre-existing medical issues. An adult in New Mexico has also been reported to have died from measles.

This recent wave of cases follows a decade that has seen varying levels of measles activity, with the last recorded death due to measles occurring in California in 2019, when a 37-year-old man died of complications from the disease.

Vaccination Rates Decline

The CDC has observed a troubling trend in vaccination coverage, noting that only 93% of kindergarteners in the U.S. received the measles vaccine during the 2021-2022 school year, dropping slightly to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year— a sharp decrease from the critical 95.2% rate seen in the 2019-2020 school year. Public health officials emphasize that maintaining at least 95% vaccination levels is essential for achieving herd immunity and protecting the broader community.

Government Response to the Outbreak

In light of the growing outbreak, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly advocated for vaccination, urging individuals to receive the measles vaccine during an interview on CBS News. This marked a notable shift for Kennedy, who has faced criticism for previously disseminating misleading information regarding vaccines. He stated, “The federal government’s position, my position, is that people should get the measles vaccine” while acknowledging the importance of voluntary vaccination rather than governmental mandates.

Current Measles Case Statistics

As new data continues to flow from state health departments and the CDC, the CBS News data team remains dedicated to tracking the advancement of measles cases nationwide, emphasizing the urgent need for increased vaccination efforts to control this preventable disease.