The United States is experiencing a dramatic increase in measles activity this year, with a total of 1,544 confirmed cases reported as of September 30, 2025, according to the latest data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This figure represents a staggering rise compared to the 285 cases reported in all of 2024, raising concerns among public health officials.
The data, current as of the end of September, shows that 42 U.S. jurisdictions—including New York, California, Texas, and Florida—have reported domestic measles cases. Additionally, 21 cases were reported among international visitors.
The majority of cases this year are tied to community spread, with 86% of confirmed cases (1,333) associated with 42 distinct outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases). This is a substantial jump from 2024, which saw 16 outbreaks and 69% of cases being outbreak-associated.
READ: Texas Mom Charged After Shooting Her Four Children, Killing Two
Low Vaccination Rates a Major Factor
A key driver behind the surge appears to be a drop in childhood vaccination coverage. CDC data indicates that the vaccination status is “Unvaccinated or Unknown” for 92% of the confirmed cases.
The national MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine coverage rate among U.S. kindergartners has slipped from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 92.7% in the 2023–2024 school year. Officials warn that this decline leaves approximately 280,000 kindergartners vulnerable, creating pockets of unprotected individuals where the highly contagious virus can spread easily.
“When measles gets into communities of unvaccinated people in the United States, outbreaks can occur,” the CDC stated.
Hospitalizations and Deaths Reported
The consequences of the heightened measles activity are proving severe. Nationwide, 12% of cases—191 individuals—have required hospitalization. Young children face the highest risk of severe complications, with 22% of those under five years old who contracted measles being hospitalized.
READ: Government Shutdown Threatens Food Supply, Florida Farm Bureau Urges Senate Action
The CDC has confirmed three measles-related deaths in 2025.
Public Health Response
In response to the current threat, the CDC has made resources available to communities, including sample letters and a “Be Ready for Measles Toolkit.” States are also providing real-time updates as they manage local outbreaks.
Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning sustained transmission within the country had stopped. The current resurgence underscores the fragility of that public health achievement and highlights the critical need to maintain high MMR vaccination rates across the country to protect community immunity.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
