US Faces Worst Measles Outbreak in Over 30 Years

The United States is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in over three decades, with 1,288 confirmed cases reported across 38 states and the District of Columbia as of July 9, 2025. This surpasses the 1,274 cases recorded in 2019, marking a significant resurgence of the disease.

The outbreak began in late January 2025, primarily affecting undervaccinated communities in West Texas, notably Gaines County. This county has one of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions in the state, with nearly 18% of kindergartners having conscientious exemptions from required vaccinations during the 2023–2024 school year. Consequently, only about 82% of kindergartners were up to date on their vaccinations, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, falling below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that as of April 8, 2025, 505 cases had been identified since late January, with 57 patients hospitalized and two fatalities among unvaccinated school-aged children. The affected counties include Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 27 outbreaks this year, with 88% of cases linked to these clusters. The CDC warns that continued spread could jeopardize the U.S.'s measles elimination status, which was achieved in 2000.

Health officials attribute the resurgence to declining vaccination rates. National MMR coverage among kindergartners has dropped to 92.7%, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. In Gaines County, the MMR coverage rate among kindergartners is even lower, at 82%.

The outbreak has significantly impacted the Mennonite community in West Texas, particularly in Gaines County. Mennonites, part of the Anabaptist family of churches, have diverse practices and beliefs, ranging from assimilation into mainstream culture to maintaining traditional, separatist lifestyles. The Old Colony Mennonites in Texas have a unique migration history from Russia to Canada and then to Mexico before settling in Texas in the late 20th century. They have retained their Low German dialect and cultural distinctions. Though there is no religious prohibition against immunization within Mennonite circles, under-immunization is common in more conservative groups due to limited engagement with healthcare systems and skepticism towards newer vaccines.

In response to the outbreak, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a health alert on February 5, 2025, reporting an outbreak of measles in Gaines County. At that time, six cases had been identified among unvaccinated school-aged children. DSHS advised clinicians to follow measles immunization recommendations and immediately report any suspected cases to local health departments.

The resurgence of measles highlights the broader issue of vaccine hesitancy and declining immunization rates in the U.S. Experts like Lauren Gardner of Johns Hopkins University view the measles resurgence as a warning sign of broader issues in vaccine attitudes across the country. The outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the return of diseases once considered eliminated.

The 2025 measles outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and the dangers posed by declining immunization rates. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation is crucial to safeguarding public health and preventing future outbreaks.