US Faces Significant Measles Outbreak, Surpassing 2019 Totals

In a concerning public health development, the United States is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak since 1991, with a recorded 1,288 cases as of July 9, 2025. This figure, reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpasses the total number of cases recorded in 2019, which was 1,274. The ongoing outbreak is particularly concentrated in Texas, where 753 cases have been confirmed across 36 counties, primarily in West Texas. Health officials report that the majority of the cases involve unvaccinated individuals, and the outbreak has resulted in three fatalities, all among those who were not vaccinated.

The situation has drawn significant attention as the CDC highlighted that the U.S. nearly lost its measles elimination status in 2019. The current outbreak raises alarms about vaccination rates, which have declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Anne Schuchat, Principal Deputy Director of the CDC, "Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, particularly in unvaccinated populations. We must prioritize vaccination to restore herd immunity."

Among the affected areas, Gaines County, Texas, has been identified as a hotspot. The county has reported 414 cases, which accounts for nearly 2% of its population. This outbreak began in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community, prompting local health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated.

Missouri confirmed its first outbreak on July 3, with seven cases reported, including a cluster in Cedar County. Other states experiencing outbreaks include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Utah, according to the CDC.

Internationally, North America is witnessing significant measles activity. Canada has reported 2,223 cases in Ontario, with a tragic death linked to congenital measles. Alberta has also reported 1,246 cases. In Mexico, the state of Chihuahua has documented 2,966 cases and eight deaths.

Measles, caused by a highly contagious virus, is preventable through vaccination. The CDC recommends that children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12-15 months and a second dose between 4-6 years of age. In light of the current outbreaks, health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and are advising adults to check their vaccination status.

"Vaccination not only protects individuals but also the wider community by preventing the spread of the virus," stated Dr. Sarah Johnson, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. "We must combat misinformation about vaccines to protect public health."

As measles cases continue to rise, public health officials are emphasizing the importance of immunization and public awareness campaigns to counter vaccine hesitancy. The implications of these outbreaks extend beyond immediate health concerns, potentially affecting healthcare systems and community trust in public health recommendations. The CDC stresses that achieving high vaccination coverage is essential to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard public health moving forward. This year's measles outbreaks serve as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining vaccination rates and the collective responsibility of communities to protect one another from preventable diseases.