Surge in Measles Cases in the U.S. Sparks Public Health Alarm
As of July 16, 2025, the United States is experiencing its highest number of reported measles cases in over three decades, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This alarming resurgence of the highly contagious disease has been largely attributed to an outbreak in West Texas, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of two children.
Currently, Texas has reported more than 760 cases, contributing to a cumulative total exceeding 1,300 cases nationwide, with infections confirmed in at least 39 states. Measles, known for its extreme contagiousness, poses significant threats to health, potentially leading to severe complications in the lungs and brain, which can result in cognitive impairment, deafness, or even death.
Understanding the Outbreak
Despite the risks, experts emphasize the safety and effectiveness of the measles vaccine, typically administered as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine series. While many individuals experience mild symptoms, approximately 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract measles require hospitalization. Additionally, the CDC reports that about 1 in 1,000 children infected may experience encephalitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage, while up to 3 in 1,000 could succumb to the illness.
This year’s most significant outbreak is escalating predominantly among unvaccinated children and teenagers in Texas, where authorities confirmed that the initial victim was an unvaccinated school-aged child, followed by the death of an 8-year-old girl, also unvaccinated. Notably, both children had no prior health complications, as reported by the Texas health department. In a related development, New Mexico has confirmed the death of an adult due to measles.
Historical Context
The last recorded measles-related death in the U.S. prior to this year’s outbreak occurred in 2019, involving a 37-year-old man who succumbed to complications from meningitis linked to the disease in California. In recent years, the peak of measles cases was seen in 2019, with 1,274 cases reported, primarily due to outbreaks in several states, including New York, California, and Washington.
Declining Vaccination Rates
Health authorities point to decreasing vaccination rates as a contributing factor to the rise of preventable diseases like measles. CDC data reveals that approximately 93% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles during the 2021-2022 school year, decreasing to 92.7% for the following year; this marks a drop from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year—critical levels needed for community immunity.
“To achieve community immunity (herd immunity), over 95% of a population must be vaccinated,” the CDC underscores, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage.
Government’s Stance on Vaccination
Amid the ongoing outbreak, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has faced scrutiny for his previous anti-vaccine statements, publicly called for vaccination on April 8, marking a notable shift in his rhetoric. “We encourage people to get the measles vaccine,” he stated in an interview with CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook. Kennedy added that he believes vaccination should not be mandated by the government.
Current Measles Outbreak Data
| State | Number of Cases |
|---|---|
| Texas | 760+ |
| Nationwide Total | 1,300+ |
| Confirmed States | 39 |
As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor the outbreak closely and urge communities to ensure high vaccination rates to protect public health.
