The US is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 33 years, with over 1,300 cases reported so far this year. The outbreak, which started in Texas, has surpassed the number of cases seen in 1992 and is expected to continue as people travel during the summer season.
Experts attribute the surge in measles cases to low vaccination rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children under five years old. “Measles is really an airplane ride away,” says Katherine Wells, director of public health for Lubbock, Texas. “We have more vulnerable people now, and that gives measles places to spread.”
The highly effective MMR vaccine has kept the disease at bay for decades, but experts warn that the US may be entering a “post-herd immunity” era due to the Covid-19 pandemic disrupting routine childhood immunization visits.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to medicine, causing serious complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling in children. The disease has already claimed three lives this year, including two unvaccinated children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.
The difficulties in preventing measles cases have been highlighted by states such as North Dakota, where an unvaccinated person contracted the disease after traveling out of state. The health secretary’s decision to disrupt US vaccine policy has also sparked controversy, with many experts warning against spreading inflammatory information about vaccines.
As the outbreak continues, health officials urge everyone to ensure they and their families are up to date on their measles and other vaccines to prevent the spread of the disease.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/11/measles-outbreak-cases-data