U.S. and Europe Grapple with Measles Resurgence as Cases Surge

Declining vaccination rates and disrupted immunization programs have fueled outbreaks, with nearly 300 U.S. cases in 2025 and Europe reporting its highest numbers in decades.

Texas and New Mexico have reported nearly 300 measles cases in 2025, with two fatalities, including one child in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.
Houston confirmed its third measles case this year, involving an unvaccinated infant exposed during international travel; the case is unrelated to the West Texas outbreak.
Europe recorded 127,350 measles cases in 2024, doubling the previous year’s total and marking the highest levels since 1997, with 38 deaths reported.
Public health officials attribute the resurgence to declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by misinformation and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Measles poses severe health risks, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term immune system damage; vaccination remains the most effective prevention method.