United States of America

US Measles Cases Hit 33-Year High

JUL 8 2025·Updated JUL 9 2025

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Above: Signs point the way to measles testing on Feb. 27, 2025 in Seminole, Texas. Image credit: Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images

The Facts

According to data released by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation on Monday, the U.S. has recorded 1,277 measles cases as of July 4, the highest annual tally since 1992 and surpassing the previous record of 1,274 cases set in 2019.
BBC News
Contemporary Pediatrics
Bloomberg School of Public Health
Texas leads the outbreak with 790 confirmed cases, including major clusters in Gaines County (414 cases), Terry County (60 cases), and Lubbock County (53 cases). The outbreak primarily affects Mennonite communities with low vaccination rates.
The Washington Post
Contemporary Pediatrics
Bloomberg School of Public Health
Approximately 92% of measles cases occurred in people who were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, while only 4% had received one MMR dose and 4% had received two doses, according to CDC data through July 2.
BBC News
Contemporary Pediatrics
The Daily Beast
Three people have died from measles-related complications so far in 2025, including two unvaccinated children in Texas and one man in New Mexico, compared to only three measles deaths reported between 2001 and 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
BostonGlobe.com
The Washington Post
The Daily Beast
The outbreak has resulted in 155 hospitalizations out of 1,267 reported cases through July 2, with hospitalization rates highest among children under 5 years at 21%, while cases have been confirmed across 38 states and the District of Columbia.
Beckershospitalreview
Contemporary Pediatrics
BBC News
National MMR vaccination rates among kindergartners have declined from above 95% in 2019 to under 93% currently, falling below the threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, as anti-vaccine sentiment has reportedly grown following the coronavirus pandemic.
BostonGlobe.com
The Washington Post
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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This measles outbreak is a predictable consequence of declining vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy. Communities with low immunization coverage create dangerous pockets where highly contagious diseases can spread rapidly. The 92% unvaccinated rate among cases indicates that vaccines are effective when people receive them.

The Washington Post

Contemporary Pediatrics

Establishment-critical narrative

The current outbreak highlights legitimate concerns about vaccine mandates and medical freedom. Many families are making informed choices about their children's healthcare based on personal beliefs and community values. Public health officials should prioritize education over coercion to address vaccination concerns.

New York Post