US Measles Cases Surge Near 30-Year High Across Multiple States

The United States has recorded its highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, surpassing the previous record set in 2019, with over 1,270 cases reported halfway through 2025. Texas remains the epicenter, with more than 750 cases, largely originating in an undervaccinated community, and three measles-related deaths have occurred this year—all among unvaccinated individuals in Texas and New Mexico. The outbreak has now spread to nearly 40 states, including Wyoming's first case in 15 years and a new cluster in Kentucky, where low vaccination rates among kindergartners are raising concerns. Experts warn that the true number of cases may be underreported, and most infections have occurred in unvaccinated people, emphasizing the critical importance of the MMR vaccine. Other large outbreaks are ongoing in Canada and Mexico. Health officials continue to urge vaccination as the best protection against this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.