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May 9, 2025 – The United States has recorded more than 1,000 measles cases so far in 2025, making this year the second worst for the disease since it was declared eliminated in the country a quarter-century ago. According to data compiled by CNN from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments, at least 1,002 cases have been reported as of Wednesday.
The majority of these cases-over 800-are linked to a large, ongoing outbreak centered in West Texas, which has since spread to neighboring states including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and possibly Kansas. Health officials expect additional cases to be reported in the coming days.
Experts caution that the true number of measles infections may be significantly higher, as many cases go unreported. Historically, the US has averaged about 180 measles cases per year since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. The only other year to surpass 1,000 cases was 2019, when outbreaks in New York City and its suburbs drove the total to 1,274 cases.
The CDC, which updates measles data each Friday, reported 935 cases nationwide as of the most recent update. Of these, about 13% required hospitalization. Notably, only 4% of cases occurred in individuals who had received at least one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This year, there have been three reported deaths from measles-matching the total number of deaths from the disease in the US over the previous two decades.
So far in 2025, the CDC has identified at least 12 separate outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases. In addition to the major outbreak in West Texas and surrounding states, other significant outbreaks have occurred in Ohio (with over 30 cases), Montana, and Michigan.
Public health officials are urging Americans to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, as the MMR vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent measles and curb further outbreaks.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by CNN as of May 7, 2025, and includes data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments. The situation is evolving, and case numbers may change as new information becomes available. For the most current updates and guidance, consult official public health sources.
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