The United States has surpassed 1,000 measles cases for the first time in five years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday (May 8), 1,001 cases have been confirmed across 30 states, including Texas, California, and Florida. The last time the U.S. recorded more than 1,000 cases was in 2019, with 1,274 confirmed infections over the year.
The CDC reports that 13% of this year’s measles patients have been hospitalized, with the majority under 19 years old. Approximately 96% of cases are among individuals who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. The remaining cases include 2% who received one dose and 2% who received the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
According to the CDC, there have been 14 outbreaks in 2025, with 93% of cases linked to these outbreaks. Measles, an airborne and highly infectious disease, can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination, as two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles.
In Texas, the Department of State Health Services reports an ongoing outbreak primarily in West Texas, with two fatalities among school-aged children who were unvaccinated. The outbreak has led to 92 hospitalizations, and additional cases are expected in the area. The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with local health departments to manage the situation and urges residents to follow vaccination recommendations.
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