The Resurgence of Measles in the United States

2 March 2025

Measles was officially declared eliminated in the United States in 2000—a massive public health achievement. But today, the disease is making a comeback.

So why is a preventable disease resurging? The short answer: declining vaccination rates and political decisions that threaten public health.

Measles cases have been rising steadily over the past decade, and 2025's early numbers suggest this year could far exceed previous years. The reason isn't a mystery. Fewer children are getting vaccinated due to misinformation, weakened vaccine policies, and growing distrust in public health recommendations - often fueled by political figures and celebrities.

Key Facts About the Measles Resurgence

  • Measles was eliminated in 2000, but outbreaks are now increasing.
  • In 2025 so far, the numbers already look much higher than the same period last year.
  • Most measles cases occur in unvaccinated individuals. In the latest data, 95% of cases were in people with no known vaccination history.
  • Hospitalization rates are high. About 1 in 5 measles cases in 2025 has required hospitalization.
  • Vaccination rates are declining, especially in certain states. Many states have fallen below the 95% vaccination threshold needed for herd immunity.
  • Political rhetoric and misinformation are fueling the problem. High-profile figures like RFK Jr. are pushing anti-vaccine messaging that directly contributes to lower immunization rates and increased outbreaks.

Data Source

The plots and data shown on this site are from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html - downloaded on 1 March 2025