U.S. measles cases in 2025 surged to more than 2,000 confirmed infections across at least 44 states, the largest total in over 30 years. A major West Texas outbreak accounted for more than 760 cases and two child fatalities; New Mexico reported an adult death. Health officials say the MMR vaccine is highly safe and effective and point to falling vaccination rates as a major driver of the resurgence.
Measles Surge in 2025: Over 2,000 Cases Across 44 States; West Texas Outbreak Killed Two Children
Map shows more than 1,900 measles cases across U.S.
In 2025 the United States experienced its largest measles resurgence in more than three decades, with confirmed cases topping 2,000 and infections reported in at least 44 states, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
Largest Cluster In West Texas
U.S. map showing number of reported cases of measles in 2025.
The single largest outbreak occurred in West Texas, where health officials confirmed more than 760 cases before declaring that outbreak officially over in August. That cluster included two fatalities: both were unvaccinated children and had no reported underlying conditions. New Mexico also reported an adult death associated with measles this year.
How Dangerous Is Measles?
Map of measles cases by Texas county
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. While many people recover without lasting harm, the CDC warns that severe complications can occur: about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles require hospitalization; roughly 1 in 1,000 children with measles will develop encephalitis (brain swelling), which can cause permanent brain damage; and up to 3 in 1,000 infected children may die.
Vaccine Is Safe, Effective And Underscored By Officials
Line chart showing the number of measles cases in the U.S. from 1939 to present.
Health officials and clinicians emphasize that the measles vaccine—typically given as the combined measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot—is highly safe and effective at preventing infection and severe outcomes. Federal and state authorities, including the CDC, urge vaccination to curb spread and protect vulnerable populations.
Vaccination Coverage And Community Immunity
Bar chart showing the number of measles cases by year, from 2000 to present.
Public-health experts link this resurgence in part to declining vaccination coverage. CDC data show kindergarten measles vaccination rates fell from about 95.2% in the 2019–2020 school year (a commonly cited threshold for community protection) to roughly 93% in 2021–2022 and approximately 92.7% in 2023–2024.
Federal Response And Messaging
Stacked bar chart showing the percentage of current cases that are unvaccinated/unknown or had atleast one dose of the MMR vaccine.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. publicly encouraged people to get the measles vaccine during the outbreak, saying the federal government's position is that people should be vaccinated while noting he does not support mandates. Kennedy has a documented history of making false or misleading claims about vaccines; reporters and public-health experts have called attention to that record while relaying his recent pro-vaccine statement.
Tracking And Reporting
U.S. map showing estimated kindergarten MMR vaccine coverage during the 2023-24 school year
The CBS News data team and state health departments are tracking confirmed cases as new data are released; the interactive map accompanying this reporting is updated weekly when the CDC publishes its weekly numbers (typically on Wednesdays).
What You Can Do
Health officials advise checking vaccination records, scheduling MMR vaccination for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals, and contacting local health departments for guidance if exposure or symptoms occur. Early vaccination and high community coverage remain the most effective ways to prevent future outbreaks.
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