CDC

CDC reports second highest measles case count in 25 years

April 25, 2025

Between January 1 and April 17, 2025, the U.S. reported 800 measles cases, marking the second highest annual count in 25 years. The majority of these cases (82%) were linked to an outbreak in close-knit communities with low vaccination rates in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Eighty-five patients were hospitalized, and three deaths occurred. Health departments are urged to enhance community engagement, education, and vaccination efforts to prevent further outbreaks.

The ongoing multistate outbreak has significantly impacted unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, accounting for 96% of the cases. This surge represents a 180% increase compared with the 285 cases reported in 2024. CDC emphasizes the importance of increasing MMR vaccination coverage to mitigate the spread of measles.

Source:

Mathis AD, et al. (2025, April 24). CDC. Measles Update — United States, January 1–April 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7414a1.htm