Measles cases in the United States have reached a peak, surpassing 1,280 for the first time since the disease was declared eradicated in 2000. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outbreaks have been reported in 38 states since the beginning of 2025, resulting in at least 162 hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths. The majority of cases, 92%, have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, particularly children under the age of 19.
Despite previous indications of a plateau, with CDC Director Demetre Daskalakis mentioning it in a meeting on June 25, at least 61 new cases have been confirmed since, and one additional state has been affected. Vaccination rates have declined, leading to a resurgence of measles infections in the country, with some states no longer achieving herd immunity.
Measles is a highly contagious and vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus that primarily affects children. The virus spreads rapidly, and unvaccinated individuals who are exposed have a high likelihood of contracting it. The MMR vaccine, which includes protection against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective, with a 97% efficacy rate. However, misinformation and false claims, such as those from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have contributed to vaccine hesitancy and posed challenges in controlling the outbreak.
Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination as the best form of protection against measles, cautioning against unfounded claims and emphasizing the scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
