The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a significant surge in measles cases across the United States, with 1,288 confirmed cases as of July 8, 2025. This marks the highest case count since 2019 and signals a growing public health concern as outbreaks spread to 39 jurisdictions nationwide
Key Highlights
- 1,288 confirmed measles cases reported in 2025 (as of July 8).
- 27 outbreaks identified, with 88% of cases linked to these outbreaks.
- Three confirmed deaths attributed to measles this year.
The CDC notes that 2025’s outbreak count has already surpassed previous years:
- 2024: 285 cases, 16 outbreaks, 69% outbreak-associated.
- 2023: 59 cases, 4 outbreaks, 49% outbreak-associated.
- 2019: 1,274 cases, the previous high-water mark in recent history.
The overwhelming majority of 2025 cases (1,130 out of 1,288) are associated with outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases.
The CDC warns that vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has dropped below the 95% threshold needed for community immunity. Coverage fell from 95.2% in the 2019–2020 school year to 92.7% in 2023–2024, leaving approximately 280,000 kindergartners at risk. The organization urges families to ensure all eligible members are vaccinated, especially before international travel.
Measles is an extremely contagious airborne virus. The CDC emphasizes that while the disease is not seasonal, it often spreads during periods of high travel or in settings where unvaccinated people gather, such as summer camps. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space, making containment challenging.
The Importance of Vaccination
- MMR vaccine efficacy: Two doses are 97% effective, one dose is 93% effective.
- Breakthrough infections: Rare, but possible, especially in communities with active outbreaks.
