Measles Cases Surge in U.S., Exceeding 2024 Total

The ongoing outbreak, centered in Texas and New Mexico, highlights the importance of vaccination as misinformation complicates public health efforts.

The U.S. has reported 308 measles cases in 2025 so far, surpassing the total of 285 cases for all of 2024, with outbreaks concentrated in Texas and New Mexico.
Three deaths have been linked to the outbreak, all among unvaccinated individuals, including a child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications such as brain swelling, pneumonia, and immune system suppression, with vaccination being 97% effective in preventing the disease.
Misinformation about vaccine safety and alternative treatments, promoted by public figures, has contributed to declining vaccination rates, with some areas falling below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
Health officials are urging vaccination and conducting public outreach, while addressing a national shortage of the MMR vaccine due to unrelated production issues.