The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, with 1,277 confirmed cases reported across 38 states and the District of Columbia as of Friday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The highly contagious virus, which had once been declared eliminated in the US, has surged back amid growing vaccine hesitancy and declining immunisation rates in certain communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 92% of those infected were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

Texas has emerged as the hardest-hit state, recording more than 700 cases this year. The outbreak has been particularly severe in low-vaccination areas such as Mennonite communities, where some residents reject modern medicine. Kansas and New Mexico have also reported dozens of cases.

So far, three people have died and at least 155 others have been hospitalised across the country.

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 after decades of successful vaccination campaigns. At the time, cases had dropped below 90 annually. But health officials warn that the current surge may threaten that status if widespread transmission continues for more than 12 consecutive months.

The last time the US came close to this level was in 2019, when 1,274 cases were reported. This year’s total has already surpassed that, making 2025 the worst measles year since 1990, when nearly 28,000 cases were recorded.

In response to the outbreak, some states have seen an increase in measles vaccinations.

Texas, for example, administered 173,000 doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine between January and mid-March up from 158,000 during the same period last year.

The MMR vaccine is 97% effective and is considered the best protection against the virus, which can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death.

The rise in cases comes amid a backdrop of increasing anti-vaccine sentiment in the US.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously spread misinformation about vaccines, initially downplayed the outbreak but later urged Americans to get vaccinated.

In a post on X, he wrote, “The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”

The resurgence of measles isn’t limited to the United States. Other countries are also battling major outbreaks. The UK reported nearly 3,000 cases in 2024 the highest since 2012 and has already seen 529 infections in 2025. In Canada, more than 3,000 cases have been reported so far this year, with the bulk in Ontario and Alberta.

Public health officials are urging parents to ensure children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine and warning that complacency could undo decades of progress in eliminating preventable diseases.

Erizia Rubyjeana

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