Measles Cases Surge in U.S. as Vaccination Rates Decline

Public health experts warn that rising vaccine exemptions and misinformation are driving outbreaks in multiple states, including a worsening cluster in West Texas.

The U.S. reported 285 measles cases in 2024, the highest since 2019, with outbreaks already emerging in 2025 in states like Texas, Georgia, and New Mexico.
A West Texas outbreak has grown to 24 cases, primarily among unvaccinated children, with nine requiring hospitalization, marking the state’s largest outbreak since 2019.
Declining vaccination rates, fueled by misinformation and increasing nonmedical exemptions, are leaving communities vulnerable to highly contagious diseases like measles.
Experts emphasize that the MMR vaccine is over 90% effective and remains the best defense, with two doses recommended for lifetime immunity in most individuals.
Public health officials are urging increased awareness and vaccination efforts, particularly in areas with high exemption rates, to prevent further outbreaks.