Vaccination and Outbreak Statistics
The faces a significant measles outbreak, with 1,168 confirmed cases across 33 states as of early June 2025, marking a quadrupling from 2023 and nearing a 30-year high. Most cases are among unvaccinated individuals.
A study highlights a drastic reduction in childhood measles vaccinations post-COVID-19 pandemic, with declines observed in nearly 80% of U.S. counties.
Response and Implications
U.S. health officials advise measles vaccinations for international travelers, emphasizing the role of travel in disease spread. The outbreak has resulted in three deaths so far this year.
The current outbreak jeopardizes the U.S.'s status of measles elimination. If it persists until January 2026, the country will lose its elimination designation, which requires a year without local transmission.