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U.S. Records Over 2,000 Measles Cases in 2025, Threatening Elimination Status

Updated (2 articles)

2025 Measles Cases Surpass 2,000 Nationwide The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 2,065 measles infections across 43 states as of Dec. 30, 2025, marking the highest annual total since 1992 [1][2]. The CDC identified 49 distinct outbreaks during the year, far exceeding typical seasonal spikes. These figures reflect a nationwide resurgence rather than isolated incidents.

Vaccination Coverage Fell Below Herd‑Immunity Threshold During the 2024‑25 school year, only 92.5 % of kindergarteners received the MMR vaccine, short of the roughly 95 % coverage needed to prevent sustained transmission [1][2]. One dose of MMR provides about 93 % protection, while two doses raise effectiveness to 97 % [1][2]. Public health officials warn that this shortfall undermines the United States’ measles‑elimination status declared in 2000.

Major Regional Outbreaks Drove Most Infections West Texas–New Mexico cluster produced hundreds of cases and resulted in three deaths—two children and one adult—all unvaccinated [1][2]. An outbreak along the Utah‑Arizona border exceeded 350 cases, while South Carolina’s surge reached 179 infections and triggered nearly 300 school‑related quarantines [1][2]. These hotspots illustrate how pockets of low vaccination amplify spread.

Genetic Links Suggest Ongoing Transmission Into 2026 Epidemiologists have identified genetic connections among outbreaks in different states, indicating that transmission chains may persist into early 2026 [1][2]. Officials caution that continued spread could jeopardize the nation’s measles‑elimination designation if herd immunity is not restored.

Demographics Show Predominance Among Unvaccinated Youth Approximately 93 % of 2025 measles cases occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, with more than half of patients under 19 years old [2]. Hospitalization was required for about 11 % of cases, underscoring the severity of the outbreak among vulnerable populations.

Sources

Timeline

1992 – The United States records its last comparable annual measles total before 2025, with case numbers that will not be surpassed for more than three decades, underscoring the historic low incidence achieved after widespread two‑dose MMR adoption[2].

2000 – Federal health officials declare the U.S. measles‑free after years of sustained elimination, setting a benchmark that later public‑health leaders cite when warning about the 2025 resurgence[2].

2024‑25 school year – Childhood MMR vaccination coverage slips to 92.5% of kindergarteners, falling short of the 95% herd‑immunity threshold needed to block sustained transmission, a decline public health experts link directly to the coming surge[1][2].

Early 2025 – A West Texas–New Mexico cluster ignites, rapidly producing hundreds of infections in an undervaccinated region and highlighting how local immunity gaps can spark large outbreaks[1].

August 2025 – The West Texas outbreak ends after causing three unvaccinated deaths (two children, one adult) and illustrating the severe outcomes possible when measles reaches communities with low vaccine uptake[1].

October 2025 – A South Carolina outbreak begins, expands to 179 confirmed cases and triggers nearly 300 school quarantines, demonstrating the rapid spread of measles in settings with dense unvaccinated populations[1].

2025 (throughout the year) – An outbreak along the Utah–Arizona border exceeds 350 cases, adding to the geographic dispersion of the 49 distinct outbreaks recorded nationwide[2].

Dec 30 2025 – The CDC confirms 2,065 measles cases across 43 states and 49 separate outbreaks, the highest annual total since 1992; “CDC says the U.S. topped 2,000 measles cases in 2025,” and officials note that roughly 93% of cases are unvaccinated or of unknown status, with 11% hospitalized and over half under age 19[1][2].

Early 2026 (projected) – Genetic links between the 2025 outbreaks suggest continued transmission into early 2026, prompting officials to warn that sustained spread could jeopardize the nation’s measles‑elimination status and to maintain heightened surveillance and response efforts[1][2].

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