Measles Cases Reach 33 Year High, CDC Reports

The measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year is now a nationwide concern.

Almost 1,300 measles cases have been reported in the United States in 2025, according the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). That’s the highest case count in a single year since 1992 and the highest amount since the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. While the largest swath of cases—around 780—have been reported in Texas near Gaines Country where the outbreak first started, Measles has now spread to 39 of 50 US states with the highest number of cases reported in New Mexico (95), Kansas (87) and Ohio (35).

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through coughing, sneezing and even lingering airborne particles. It often starts with cold-like symptoms—fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes—before a telltale red rash appears. While it may seem mild at first, measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, including pneumonia, brain swelling and in rare cases, death.

A majority of Measles cases (65%) happen in children ages 0 to 19, including 368 cases in children under 5 and 469 cases in those aged 5 to 19. Thirteen percent of 2025’s reported cases have resulted in hospitalization with 21% of those under 5 hospitalized. Three measles-related deaths have been confirmed in 2025—equal to the total number of measles deaths reported in the US over the past two decades combined.

Why Measles Is Making a Comeback

Measles was nearly eradicated in the US by the 1980s thanks to widespread vaccination. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, an estimated 3 to 4 million Americans contracted the virus annually. Vaccination efforts led to a 99% drop in cases, but recent years have seen a resurgence.

Of those infected with Measles in 2025, 92% percent had not gotten even a single dose of the two-part measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. While the CDC says the risk of widespread outbreaks remains low due to overall population immunity, health officials warn that pockets of low vaccination coverage leave some communities vulnerable. Nearly 1 in 5 incoming kindergartners in Gaines County weren’t vaccinated against measles for the 2023-24 school year. Other affected counties in the area—Lynn, Lubbock, and Yoakum—also fall short of the 95% vaccination rate recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services to prevent outbreaks. Nationally, the US has failed to meet this benchmark for four consecutive years.

In response, local health departments are hosting free vaccination clinics. The South Plains Public Health District, which covers Gaines County, has administered more than 100 Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines and expanded clinic hours to seven days a week.

How to Protect Your Family

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine remains the most effective defense against Measles. The CDC recommends children receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second between 4 and 6 years old. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

If you live near an affected area or your child isn’t up to date on their vaccines, contact your pediatrician or local health department. As the outbreak grows, health officials emphasize that vaccination and community awareness are key to stopping the spread of this preventable disease.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.