Washington: Measles cases in the United States have reached the highest level in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed infections recorded so far this year, according to new data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The total has already surpassed the 2,289 cases reported throughout 2025, when two unvaccinated children and one unvaccinated adult died during outbreaks linked to the highly contagious disease. Health officials said the sharp increase reflects a growing decline in vaccination coverage across several parts of the country.
The CDC said measles cases have now been reported in 45 states, with recent outbreaks continuing in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Utah. The United States has recorded more measles cases over the past 18 months than during the previous 25 years combined, raising concerns that the country could lose its measles elimination status.
A country loses its elimination status after experiencing continuous transmission of the same strain of the measles virus for at least one year. A review panel is expected to assess the United States’ status in November.
Public health experts have linked the resurgence to increasing vaccine hesitancy and lower childhood immunisation rates. Around 95 per cent of a population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity against measles, but vaccination coverage has fallen below that level in several communities. During an outbreak in South Carolina last year, some schools reported vaccination rates as low as 20%.
US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has faced criticism from public health experts over vaccine policies and public comments on immunisation. Although Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has described the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective way to prevent measles, public health officials have criticised the promotion of unproven treatments and warned that mixed messaging could undermine vaccination efforts.
IMPORTANT | Houthis claim attack on Saudi oil tanker as US expands strikes on Iran
