Measles cases in the United States have surged to their highest level since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. As of July 1, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,267 confirmed cases across 38 states. By July 7, this number rose to 1,281, surpassing the 1,274 cases recorded in 2019. The current outbreak has affected a wide age range, with nearly all cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
According to the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) at Johns Hopkins University, the outbreak reflects long-standing gaps in measles vaccine coverage. The U.S. Measles Tracker, developed by IVAC, provides real-time data on measles cases at the county level, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate vaccination levels.
The largest outbreak has been in West Texas, with over 750 cases reported since January. The outbreak has spread to surrounding states. Public health experts warn that the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status if the spread continues for more than 12 months.
The CDC notes that 92% of cases in 2025 were among unvaccinated individuals. The national MMR vaccination rate among kindergartners has fallen below 93%, down from over 95% in 2019. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent future outbreaks and maintain public health.
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