# **Resurgence of Measles in the US: An Escalating Public Health Issue**
## **Introduction**
Measles, which was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, is experiencing a concerning resurgence. In the initial three months of 2025, the nation has documented over 300 cases, exceeding the annual totals of each year since 2019. This revival is primarily fueled by an outbreak in a county with low vaccination rates in West Texas, which has now spread to New Mexico and Oklahoma. The escalating case numbers have raised alarms among health officials, who are apprehensive that the US might again be at risk of forfeiting its measles elimination status.
## **The Present Measles Outbreak**
As of March 14, Texas has documented **259 cases** across 11 counties, resulting in **34 hospitalizations** and **one death**—a six-year-old girl who was unvaccinated. New Mexico has seen **35 cases**, which include **two hospitalizations** and **one death** involving an unvaccinated adult. Oklahoma has reported **two suspected cases** tied to the outbreak.
In addition to these states, **12 others** have confirmed at least one measles case since the start of the year, including:
– **Alaska**
– **California**
– **Florida**
– **Georgia**
– **Kentucky**
– **Maryland**
– **New Jersey**
– **New York**
– **Pennsylvania**
– **Rhode Island**
– **Vermont**
– **Washington**
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has verified **301 cases** as of March 13, with further cases reported in Texas and New Mexico.
## **What Is Causing the Measles Resurgence?**
Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 due to extensive vaccination initiatives. However, since then, outbreaks have emerged due to falling vaccination rates and increased international travel. The years with the highest case numbers post-elimination include:
– **2014** – 667 cases
– **2018** – 381 cases
– **2019** – 1,274 cases (the peak since elimination)
The **COVID-19 pandemic** has further worsened the situation, leading to a decline in routine childhood vaccinations. The percentage of kindergartners immunized against measles has decreased from the **target of 95% to 92.7%**, putting communities at risk for outbreaks.
## **The Worldwide Measles Increase**
Measles is not solely a US issue; it is resurging on a global scale. As per the **World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF**, the **European Region** reported **127,350 measles cases in 2024**, the highest figure since 1997. The two countries most affected were:
– **Romania** – 30,692 cases
– **Kazakhstan** – 28,147 cases
The global uptick in cases raises the likelihood of unvaccinated travelers reintroducing the virus to the US, potentially igniting new outbreaks.
## **The Dangers of Measles**
Measles is an extremely contagious virus that spreads via respiratory droplets. It can lead to serious complications, such as:
– **Pneumonia**
– **Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)**
– **Blindness**
– **Death**
The virus is so contagious that **90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to it will contract the disease**.
## **The Vital Role of Vaccination**
The **Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine** is the most effective method to avoid measles. The CDC advises:
– **First dose** at **12-15 months**
– **Second dose** at **4-6 years**
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are **97% effective** at preventing measles.
## **Conclusion**
The revival of measles in the US serves as a critical alert for public health leaders and communities. With falling vaccination rates and increasing global cases, the threat of widespread outbreaks is rising. To prevent measles from becoming endemic again, **immediate action is essential to enhance vaccination rates and manage outbreaks**.
As WHO’s regional director for Europe, **Hans Kluge**, cautions:
> *”Measles is back, and it’s a wake-up call. Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security.”*
The battle against measles is not over, and maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to keep this preventable illness under control.
