More than 1,000 measles cases have been reported across the United States so far in 2025, marking only the second time since the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 that case numbers have reached this level. A large, multi-state outbreak continues to expand, raising concerns that this year could surpass 2019 as the worst year for measles in a quarter-century.
As of Wednesday, at least 1,002 cases have been documented, based on data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments. The majority over 800 cases are linked to a major outbreak centered in West Texas, which has now spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and potentially Kansas. Additional cases from these states are expected to be reported soon.
Health experts warn that the actual number of infections is likely much higher due to underreporting. Historically, the CDC has recorded an average of around 180 measles cases per year since elimination status was achieved in 2000. Until now, 2019 was the only year to exceed 1,000 cases, with 1,274 confirmed just 272 more than have already been reported in the first five months of 2025.
The CDC, which updates measles data weekly on Fridays, recently reported 935 cases. However, due to lagging updates from states and a reduction in detailed state-level reporting, the actual count is likely higher. Of the reported cases, about 13% have required hospitalization, and only 4% occurred in individuals who had received at least one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Alarmingly, three measles-related deaths have already occurred this year, matching the total number of U.S. measles deaths recorded over the previous two decades.
At least 12 measles outbreaks defined as three or more connected cases have been identified in 2025. In addition to the Texas-centered outbreak, Ohio has reported over 30 cases, with other outbreaks documented in Montana and Michigan.
