Measles, a disease once declared eliminated in the United States, is experiencing a resurgence, marked by alarming statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. is currently grappling with its largest outbreak since 1992. In 2025 alone, there have been 2,065 confirmed cases and three reported deaths linked to the disease. The situation has raised concerns that the U.S. may lose its measles elimination status as early as this month.
Vaccination rates are crucial in controlling measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The national MMR vaccination rate stands at 92.5 percent. However, some states report significantly lower rates. For instance, only 89 percent of kindergartners in Utah received the vaccine during the 2023-2024 school year. South Carolina’s vaccination rate is slightly better at 92 percent, but Arizona lags behind with just 89 percent coverage.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, with a 97 percent efficacy rate for individuals who receive both doses. Even a single dose provides a 93 percent protection level against measles. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a country as having eliminated measles if there is no sustained transmission of the virus for more than 12 months. Unfortunately, the U.S. has documented new measles cases weekly in 2025, highlighting the severity of the outbreak.
Global Context and Rising Concerns
In stark contrast, worldwide measles cases have dramatically decreased by 88 percent since 2000. By the end of 2024, 81 countries had achieved measles elimination status. In 2025, an additional 15 countries, primarily in the Pacific and parts of Africa, reached similar milestones.
Dr. Renee Dua, a medical advisor, attributed the current outbreak in the U.S. to declining childhood vaccination rates. “Measles requires about 95 percent community immunity to prevent its spread, and many regions are now below that threshold,” she stated. Dr. Dua emphasized the tangible consequences of this decline, including preventable outbreaks, hospitalizations, and fatalities resulting from diseases that were previously well controlled.
Measles is recognized as the most infectious disease globally. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed have a 90 percent chance of contracting the illness, which can occur simply by sharing air with an infected person. The disease, caused by a virus, leads to flu-like symptoms, followed by a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body. In severe cases, measles can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, seizures, brain inflammation, and even death, with three in 1,000 cases resulting in fatality.
As health officials alert the public about the ongoing outbreak and its potential ramifications, efforts to increase vaccination rates will be critical in preventing further spread and protecting communities nationwide.
