The US is facing a growing measles outbreak, with 642 cases reported in 22 states since January, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This number surpasses the total cases recorded last year, per the CDC.
Vaccination rates are also declining, contributing to the outbreak. The recent case in Allen County, Indiana, marks the state’s first since a Lake County resident in early 2024. Although the risk to the general public is low, a single case is considered an outbreak due to measles’ high transmissibility.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals will become infected with measles if they are in close contact with someone who has the disease. However, vaccination can provide protection. In fact, over 93% of people who receive a single dose of MMR vaccine develop immunity to measles, and more than 97% are protected after receiving two doses.
The US was declared measles-free in 2000 due to an effective vaccination program. However, recent declines in kindergarten vaccination rates have led to increased cases. Global measles cases are also rising, making it essential for the public to stay informed about vaccination status and take necessary precautions to prevent transmission.
Source: https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/08/indiana-records-first-measles-case