U.S. measles cases surpass 1,000 in 2025, marking a grim milestone

The United States has officially recorded more than 1,000 measles cases so far in 2025, making this likely the worst year for the disease since it was declared eliminated in 2000.

(CNN)- The United States has officially recorded more than 1,000 measles cases so far in 2025, making this likely the worst year for the disease since it was declared eliminated in 2000. According to new data compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments, at least 1,002 cases have been confirmed as of yesterday—and it’s only May.

Many of this year’s cases have been linked to an outbreak in West Texas, but the virus has now been reported in most states. Health officials say the surge is largely due to declining vaccination rates.

“The problem is, when vaccination rates fall below 95 percent for measles—or under 90 percent in public schools—you see big outbreaks,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who is also a physician.

The growing spread is drawing comparisons to 2019, when outbreaks around New York City pushed the annual case count to 1,274. That year previously held the post-elimination record. Medical experts warn that the real number of measles cases this year may be higher than reported. Early symptoms often resemble other illnesses, and many younger doctors have never seen a measles case firsthand.

“We were able to eradicate measles, and now they’re back,” Governor Green added.

The CDC has confirmed three deaths from measles so far in 2025. Prior to the widespread use of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, hundreds of Americans died from the virus each year.

“This virus can cause you to be hospitalized and die,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and virology expert. “Get a measles vaccine.”

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, cautioned that those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised should avoid areas with active outbreaks: “You should probably think twice about going to areas where there’s a lot of measles circulating.”

Health officials continue to urge Americans to get vaccinated to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations.