Measles Roars Back: US Faces Highest Cases in Decades
The U.S. is grappling with a significant resurgence of measles, as confirmed cases have soared to levels unseen in 25 years, raising concerns among health officials and potentially jeopardizing the nation’s “measles-free” status.
Alarming Rise in Measles Cases
New data from Johns Hopkins University reveals over 1,270 confirmed measles cases in the United States this year. The previous high was 1,274 cases in 2019. Health experts suggest the real number could be higher, as many cases are not reported. Sadly, measles has already claimed three lives this year.
Texas Outbreak Fuels National Spread
West Texas is at the center of the outbreak, with over 750 cases reported since January. Gaines County, with its low childhood vaccination rates, is the epicenter. The outbreak has extended to New Mexico and Oklahoma, possibly linking to cases in Kansas. Measles has been reported in at least 38 states, with 27 separate outbreaks, according to CNN.
Why Now? Falling Vaccination Rates Blamed
The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 due to widespread MMR vaccine use. However, falling vaccination rates are allowing it to return. Only 93.1% of children aged 19-35 months received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine in 2022, below the Healthy People 2030 target of 94.3% (CDC, 2023).
Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, warned, “With an ongoing measles outbreak and routine child vaccination rates declining, this move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses.”
Impact on Children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 30% of this year’s measles cases are in children under 5. About 1 in 8 infected people have been hospitalized, and the vast majority were unvaccinated. The MMR vaccine provides 93% protection with one dose and 97% with two.
States Respond with Early Vaccinations
Some states now allow infants to get their first MMR shot at 6 months old, instead of 12. Early vaccination rates have increased, nearly doubling in New Mexico and jumping in Texas, where Truveta reports that approximately 1 in 5 children in Texas got their first MMR dose before their first birthday in March and April 2024, which is eight times higher than in 2019.
Vaccine Hesitancy Adds to the Crisis
Public health experts warn that growing mistrust in vaccines and leadership changes worsen the situation. The CDC still lacks a director, and the US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for past anti-vaccine statements, recently dismissed the vaccine expert panel that advises national policy.
Although Kennedy made a public statement supporting vaccines in April, his past comments and new appointees have raised concerns among doctors and health officials.
Losing “Measles-Free” Status?
Since 2000, the US has typically seen around 180 measles cases annually. Experts now fear that if the current Texas outbreak continues into 2026, the US could lose its measles-elimination status.
The Path Forward
As measles cases surge and vaccination rates decline, health leaders urge parents to protect their children and communities by staying up-to-date on vaccinations.