Record Measles Outbreak Leads to Over 1,300 Cases in the U.S., Health Officials Urge Vaccination

Surge in Measles Cases Alarms Health Officials

The year 2025 has become a concerning milestone for the United States, as the nation announces its highest number of measles cases in over three decades, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This alarming spike is largely linked to a significant outbreak in West Texas, which has tragically resulted in the deaths of two children.

As of now, Texas has reported more than 760 measles cases, contributing to a national total exceeding 1,300 confirmed infections across at least 39 states.

The Dangers of Measles

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, with potential outcomes that can be severe. The presence of the virus often results in serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, which can lead to lasting cognitive disabilities, hearing loss, or even fatality. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract the disease will require hospitalization, and 1 in 1,000 children may experience brain swelling, leading to irreversible damage or death.

Details on the West Texas Outbreak

Most of the affected individuals in the West Texas outbreak are children and teenagers, the vast majority of whom have not been vaccinated or lack certainty about their vaccination status. The health department in Texas reported that the fatalities included a school-aged unvaccinated child and an 8-year-old girl, both of whom had no pre-existing health conditions. New Mexico also reported a measles-related death in an adult.

Prior to this outbreak, the last reported measles death in the U.S. was in 2019, when a man succumbed to complications from the virus, further highlighting the risks associated with declining vaccination rates.

Vaccination Rates on the Decline

Health experts have pointed to a worrying trend: decreasing vaccination rates among children. CDC figures indicate that while approximately 93% of kindergarteners were vaccinated against measles during the 2021-2022 academic year, this number decreased to 92.7% in 2023-2024. This trend marks a significant drop from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 period, which is critical for maintaining community (herd) immunity. The CDC emphasizes that when more than 95% of a community is vaccinated, most members are indirectly protected from infectious diseases like measles.

Government Officials Respond

In light of the outbreak, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly advocated for vaccination. Speaking with CBS News, Kennedy expressed, “We encourage people to get the measles vaccine.” This marks a notable shift, as it is the first time he has openly supported vaccination since taking office as HHS secretary.

In the same interview, Kennedy reiterated the government’s stance on the measles vaccine, asserting that it is important for individuals to get vaccinated, although he noted that mandates should not be enforced.

Current Measles Cases Nationwide

This table captures the current state of measles infections across the nation, emphasizing the growing concern among health professionals as they work to contain the outbreak.