Measles Outbreak 2024: US Cases Hit 24-Year High

Measles Cases Surge to Record Highs in the U.S., Raising Elimination Concerns

Measles cases in the United States have reached levels not seen since 2000, when the infection was declared eliminated, with 1,285 cases reported nationwide in 2025. The outbreak is prompting serious concerns among public health officials about a potential resurgence of the highly contagious disease.

A Nation at Risk: The Spread of Measles

Data released by the Johns Hopkins University Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI) confirms the alarming trend, with a significant concentration of cases in Texas. Of the 1,285 reported cases across the country, a staggering 792 originated in the Lone Star State. Additional cases have been identified in New Mexico (95 cases) and Kansas (86 cases).

The virus has now been reported in a wide range of states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Surpassing Previous Outbreaks

The current outbreak has already surpassed the number of infections recorded in 2019, when 1,274 cases were reported. Prior to that, the highest number of reported measles cases occurred in 1992, with over 2,100 individuals affected. Globally, CORI documented a “significant increase” in measles cases in 2019, totaling 869,770.

A Preventable Tragedy

The resurgence of measles underscores the critical importance of vaccination. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine, between 3 million and 4 million people in the U.S. were infected annually, resulting in 400 to 500 deaths each year, the CDC reports. The declaration of measles elimination in 2000—defined as no continuous transmission for over 12 months—represented a major public health achievement.

A Fatal Case and Growing Concerns

Tragically, the recent outbreak has claimed the life of an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas in February, marking the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015. This loss serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of the disease.

“This is emblematic of trends in childhood vaccination, but also in how people think about public health, that are disturbing and are worrisome even for people who aren’t directly involved in this outbreak,” one pediatrician and infectious disease specialist noted.

The escalating number of cases has led some experts to question whether the U.S. can still claim to have eliminated measles. In April, a leading public health official stated, “To be honest, I think we have lost our elimination status already. How can you say we’re measles-free when we’re seeing measles?”

Recognizing the Symptoms

Measles presents with a distinctive set of symptoms, including a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a characteristic red rash that often spreads across the entire body. Early detection and prompt medical attention are crucial for managing the illness and preventing further transmission.

The current measles outbreak represents a significant challenge to public health, demanding renewed efforts to promote vaccination and safeguard communities against this preventable disease.