In early 2025, the United States faced a significant health challenge as measles cases skyrocketed. By the third month of the year, the nation had already recorded more measles cases than the entire previous year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported at least 308 cases, surpassing the 285 cases documented in 2024. This sharp increase was largely due to a massive outbreak across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

        Historically, measles was declared eliminated in the US. Since then, the average annual measles cases hovered around 179, with about 8 outbreaks per year. Most years, at least 60% of these cases were linked to outbreaks, but typically, the worst outbreaks stayed under 50 cases. However, 2025 marked a concerning shift. It was only the fifth year since 2000 where an outbreak exceeded 100 cases and the third year with over 200 cases. Previous significant outbreaks include the 2014 Disneyland outbreak and the nearly year-long 2019 outbreak in New York.

        The 2025 outbreak brought grim news: Texas reported the first measles-related death of a school-aged, unvaccinated child with no underlying health issues. In New Mexico, health officials are investigating the death of another unvaccinated individual who tested positive for measles. This person, from Lea County, had not sought medical care. These tragic events underscore the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes.

        The measles virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations. It is crucial for public health officials to emphasize the importance of vaccination. Communities must be vigilant and ensure that vaccination rates remain high to prevent future outbreaks. The current surge serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers when vaccination rates drop.

        Measles is a preventable disease through vaccination. It is essential for individuals to understand the risks associated with not getting vaccinated. The current outbreak highlights the need for continued education and awareness about the importance of vaccination. Public health efforts should focus on increasing vaccination rates and ensuring that communities are protected against preventable diseases.

Measles Surge: 2025's Alarming Start

Actions