The United States recorded over 2,000 measles cases in 2025, the most in a year since 1992, as per the latest data from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these cases, 11% of patients needed hospitalization, with reports spanning 44 US jurisdictions and some cases among international visitors.
This figure represents the highest annual count since 1992 when 2,126 measles cases were confirmed nationwide. In 2025, there were 49 reported outbreaks, with outbreak-related cases making up 88% of all confirmed infections. Notably, individuals aged 5 to 19 accounted for about 42% of the total cases.
Three deaths from measles were confirmed in the US in 2025, highlighting the seriousness of the disease. Despite measles being declared eliminated in the US in 2000, recent surges in cases have raised concerns about potentially losing this status, similar to Canada in November 2025.
Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, primarily affects children and spreads through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against measles, with the vaccine proven safe and crucial in combating the virus.
