Context:

In 2025, the United States has reported over 1,000 measles cases, marking it as the second-worst year for the disease since it was declared eliminated in 2000. The majority of cases are linked to a significant outbreak in West Texas, which has spread to neighboring states like New Mexico, Oklahoma, and potentially Kansas. With more than 13% of cases resulting in hospitalization, only a small fraction, about 4%, occurred in individuals who received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. This year, three deaths have been recorded, matching the total number of measles-related deaths over the previous two decades. The CDC has reported at least 12 separate outbreaks across various states, including Ohio, Montana, and Michigan, indicating a broader public health challenge despite regular updates on the situation being limited.

Dive Deeper:

• The United States has surpassed 1,000 measles cases in 2025, making it the second worst year since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000, with the potential to exceed the 1,274 cases reported in 2019.

• A significant outbreak in West Texas, responsible for over 800 cases, has expanded to other states, including New Mexico and Oklahoma, with the possibility of affecting Kansas, highlighting the outbreak's severity and spread.

• Approximately 13% of those infected have been hospitalized, and only about 4% of cases have been in individuals who received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, underscoring the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes.

• Three deaths from measles have occurred this year, equaling the total number of measles-related fatalities in the prior two decades, indicating a concerning rise in the disease's lethality.

• The CDC has identified at least 12 outbreaks nationwide, with notable clusters in states such as Ohio, Montana, and Michigan, suggesting that the outbreak is not confined to one region but is a widespread public health issue.

• There is a concern that the number of measles cases is underreported, as many infections go unrecorded, complicating efforts to gauge the true extent of the outbreak and respond effectively.

• Despite the increasing number of cases, the CDC has limited the detail in its reports, no longer providing specific state-by-state numbers, which could hinder public and governmental efforts to manage and contain the outbreaks.