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2w ago

U.S. Measles Cases Reach 1,277, Highest Since Elimination

Widespread transmission from a West Texas epicenter has spurred 155 hospitalizations, prompting accelerated MMR vaccination drives nationwide.

Anna Hicks prepares a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Andrews County Health Department, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Andrews, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Hundreds of measles cases have been reported in Gaines County, Texas, where vaccination rates were far below recommended levels.
A measles advisory is shown tacked to a bulletin board outside Gaines County Courthouse on April 09, 2025 in Seminole, Texas. A second confirmed measles-related death has been reported in the city of Lubbock amidst an ongoing outbreak which began in late January. As of early April, the Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed more than 500 cases within 22 counties, ranging from the South Plains toward the Panhandle.
The CDC recommends that children get their first dose of the MMR vaccine when they turn 1, but local governments in places with outbreaks or elevated risk of transmission often recommend early vaccination for infants as young as 6 months.

Overview

  • The United States has recorded 1,277 measles cases as of July 5, marking the highest tally since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
  • A West Texas outbreak centered in Gaines County accounts for 753 cases across 36 counties and has seeded transmission in New Mexico, Kansas and other states.
  • Three unvaccinated individuals have died and 155 patients have been hospitalized this year, highlighting the severity of immunity gaps.
  • Measles has spread to 39 states and jurisdictions, prompting the CDC and state health departments to expand emergency vaccination clinics and update early immunization guidelines.
  • National two-dose MMR coverage has remained below the 95% threshold for four straight years, risking loss of elimination status if transmission continues.