Measles cases hit 33-year high in U.S.: How did it spread? Symptoms and risks explained

Time of India

09-07-2025

In a troubling resurgence of a disease once thought to be on the brink of elimination, the United States has recorded 1,288 measles cases so far this year, marking the highest annual tally in over three decades, as per the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The last time measles cases crossed this number was in 1992, eight years before the disease was declared eliminated in the country.
Texas Emerges as Epicentre of the Outbreak
Among the 38 states and the District of Columbia reporting infections, Texas accounts for the lion's share. With over 750 confirmed cases, the state has become the epicentre of the 2025 outbreak, significantly outpacing others. The Texas Department of Health confirmed that the majority of cases are concentrated in communities with low vaccination rates, particularly among certain religious groups.
Health officials reveal that the outbreak peaked in January, with 15–20 new daily infections being reported. Though daily case numbers have slowed in recent weeks, experts remain cautious. 'The decline is welcome, but we are still witnessing more weekly cases than what used to be the norm,' said Caitlin Rivers, Director, Center for Outbreak Response Innovation at Johns Hopkins University.
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Fatalities & hospitalisations
Three deaths confirmed: Health authorities reported two school-age children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico succumbed to the disease, all unvaccinated.
Gap in Hospitalisations: At least 155–162 patients required hospital care, nearly one in eight, with young children especially affected.
Why the sudden surge?
Here are some factors, as per a report by NPR, which reflect the reason behind the sudden surge of measles cases:
Vaccination shortfall: A major contributing factor to the rise in cases is declining vaccination coverage. The CDC reports that the current national MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination rate among kindergartners has dropped to 92.7%, falling short of the 95% coverage needed to maintain herd immunity.
Unvaccinated pockets: Pockets of low immunisation, such as West Texas religious communities with up to 14% opt-outs, have amplified the spread.
Import-driven outbreaks: Two-thirds of outbreaks are tied to international travel and imported cases, including from summer camps & vacations.
Legal and Policy Battles Over Vaccines: Adding to the tension, some of the country's top medical organizations have filed lawsuits against the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accusing him of undermining public trust in vaccines. In response, the Department of Health and Human Services reiterated its support for MMR vaccination, calling it 'the most effective means of prevention.'
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Signs & Risks of Measles
Measles, or rubeola, is one of the most contagious viral illnesses known. It typically begins with a high fever, runny nose, dry cough, and red, watery eyes. Within a few days, patients develop Koplik spots, tiny white lesions inside the mouth, followed by a rash that spreads across the body, as mentioned in a report by The Health Site.
Highly infectious:
Measles spreads through the air or droplets and remains viable in environments for up to two hours .
Typical symptoms include:
Prodrome:
high fever (up to 104 °F), cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (7–14 days after exposure)
Koplik spots:
white flecks inside mouth appear 2–3 days post-symptom onset.
Rash:
flat red spots emerging 3–5 days later, spreading head-to-toe.
Serious complications may include pneumonia and encephalitis; approximately 1–2 in 1,000 infected may die.
Public health concerns
Elimination at risk:
Experts warn that sustained outbreaks could reverse the US's measles elimination status, erased in 2000, which requires no transmission for 12 consecutive months
Immediate action urged:
CDC and Johns Hopkins emphasise checking vaccine records and advising booster or early MMR shots ahead of summer gatherings.
Efforts to contain the outbreak
State and local response:
Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Michigan, and Pennsylvania implemented quarantine orders, vaccination drives and public education .
Federal support:
The CDC released a 'Be Ready for Measles' toolkit for health professionals and continues to recommend two-dose MMR as the best preventive measure .
Key advice for the public
Ensure MMR vaccine is up-to-date, especially for young children.
Watch for symptoms following exposure and seek medical care promptly.
Practice isolation and testing if measles is suspected, to slow the spread.
The US is confronting its most severe measles crisis in decades, driven by substandard vaccination, misinformation, and global travel, with children bearing the greatest burden. Health officials are urging immediate action to close immunity gaps and curb further outbreaks.
FAQs
How many measles cases have been reported in the U.S. so far in 2025?
As of now, the U.S. has recorded 1,288 confirmed measles cases, the highest annual count since 1992.
Which state is the epicentre of the outbreak?
Texas has emerged as the epicentre, reporting over 750 cases, especially in areas with low vaccination rates, including some religious communities in West Texas.