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3d ago

U.S. Measles Cases Surge as Vaccination Rates Hit Critical Low

Stanford study warns of endemic measles in 25 years without increased vaccinations, with over 51 million cases projected under worst-case declines.

Small drug vial with MMR vaccine. (© Leigh Prather - stock.adobe.com)
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Overview

  • Childhood vaccination rates in the U.S. have dropped below 93%, falling short of the 95% required for herd immunity and measles elimination.
  • The CDC reports 800 confirmed measles cases and three deaths as of April 17, 2025, marking the first U.S. measles fatalities since 2015.
  • Stanford researchers project measles will become endemic within 25 years at current vaccination levels, with 851,300 cases predicted over that period.
  • A 50% decline in vaccination rates could lead to 51.2 million measles cases and endemicity within five years, alongside the resurgence of other diseases like rubella and polio.
  • Raising MMR vaccination coverage by just 5% could halve the number of measles cases over the next 25 years, highlighting the urgent need for immunization efforts.