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4mo ago

U.S. Measles Outbreak Reaches 935 Cases, Setting New Records

The CDC reports the largest outbreak since the 1990s, with Texas as the epicenter and three confirmed deaths linked to unvaccinated individuals.

Computer illustration of a measles virus particle.
A sign reading "measles testing" is seen as an outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has raised concerns over its spread to other parts of the state, in Seminole, Texas, U.S., February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Sebastian Rocandio/File Photo
A measles alert sign hangs outside the entrance to the Cohen Children's Medical Center, where the state health department confirmed that a baby tested positive and that there is a possibility of exposure to others at the facility, in New Hyde Park, New York, U.S., March 14, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

Overview

  • The CDC has confirmed 935 measles cases across 29 states as of early May 2025, marking the second-highest annual total since elimination in 2000.
  • Texas remains the epicenter with 683 cases, primarily in Gaines County, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the state.
  • Three deaths have been reported: two unvaccinated children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.
  • About 96% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, highlighting declining immunization rates.
  • Experts warn that herd immunity has eroded in the U.S., with kindergarten MMR vaccination rates falling to 92.7%, below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks.