US hits 33-year high in measles cases as vaccination rates drop
United States' measles cases hit 33-year high with 1,288 infections, driven by Texas outbreak and falling vaccination rates. CDC reports 155 hospitalizations, 3 deaths.
THE US has more measles cases this year than in any year since 1992, with 1,288 confirmed infections nationwide.
Thirty-eight states and Washington DC have reported cases, resulting in 155 hospitalizations and three deaths, with two unvaccinated children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico.
Experts warn U.S. could lose measles elimination status as hospitalizations rise.
Health officials confirm 92% of patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, highlighting the outbreak’s preventable nature. This surpasses 2019’s record of 1,274 cases and marks a dangerous comeback for a disease declared eliminated in 2000.
Texas is the epicenter with 753 cases, mostly in West Texas Mennonite communities where vaccination rates are low. The outbreak began in January, peaking at 15–20 new daily cases and sparking fears the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status if transmission continues for 12+ months.
Though new cases have slowed to a "handful" weekly, nationwide kindergarten MMR vaccination rates have dropped to 92.7%, below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
