U.S. Sees Highest Measles Case Count Since 2019 Outbreak

The resurgence of measles in the United States has reached alarming levels, with 308 confirmed cases reported in 2025, marking the highest count since the significant outbreak of 2019 . The majority of these cases have emerged from an outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, underscoring a troubling trend linked to declining vaccination rates. Health experts highlight that the current vaccination rate has fallen to 92.7%, below the critical threshold of 95% necessary for achieving herd immunity . This decline in vaccinations is particularly concerning given that measles is one of the most contagious diseases known.

The U.S. has seen at least 308 measles cases so far this year, according to figures published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, marking the most infections reported nationwide in a single year since a record 2019 wave.

More than 90% of the cases have been from a growing outbreak in Texas and neighboring New Mexico – totaling at least 284 measles infections in the CDC's data.

Two additional "probable" cases linked to the outbreak this week in Oklahoma have so far not been added to the CDC's tally.

This year's total of 308 cases now tops the 285 infections reported for all of last year, which saw a large outbreak in a Chicago migrant shelter.

In New Mexico, meanwhile, the case count in that state's outbreak has grown by two and now stands at 35. Of those patients, 33 are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccine status. Thirty-three of the cases are in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas, and 2 are in neighboring Eddy County.

Officials in both states say additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreaks because of the highly contagious nature of the disease and are urging people to get vaccinated. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles.

The Texas outbreak has been particularly devastating, resulting in hospitalizations and fatalities among affected individuals . It predominantly impacts unvaccinated children and teenagers, raising questions about public health policies and community awareness regarding immunization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the need for individuals to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date to prevent further outbreaks. Failure to address these gaps could lead not only to increased morbidity but also potential mortality associated with this vaccine-preventable disease.

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Sarah H

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