- U.S. measles cases exceeded 2,000 in 2025, reaching 2,065 confirmed cases – the highest total since 1992.
- The CDC reported 49 outbreaks nationwide, with Texas accounting for more than 800 cases and ongoing outbreaks in states including South Carolina.
- An outbreak in northern South Carolina reached 176 cases, with nearly 300 people quarantined; officials expect cases to continue into January.
- National measles vaccination coverage among kindergartners fell to 92.5% in 2024 to 2025, with some areas, such as Gaines County, Texas, reporting much lower rates.
- Most cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals, resulting in hospitalizations and three deaths; while the CDC continues to recommend vaccination as the most effective prevention, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directed officials to explore treatment options during outbreaks.
Measles cases in the United States climbed above 2,000 in 2025, marking the highest annual total since 1992.
According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday, Dec. 30, state and local health officials had reported 2,065 confirmed measles cases. The agency noted that the figure does not include cases classified as probable. The last time U.S. measles cases exceeded 2,000 was in 1992, when 2,126 cases were recorded.
The previous peak over the past three decades occurred in 2019, when 1,274 cases were reported amid large outbreaks in New York state. In 2025, the CDC revealed 49 outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases, accounted for most of the infections nationwide.
Texas reported more than 800 cases during the year, with the state's largest outbreak concluding in August. Several outbreaks remain active, including one in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health reported Tuesday that 20 new cases had been identified in recent days, bringing the total associated with an outbreak in northern parts of the state to 176. Nearly 300 people are currently in quarantine or isolation after being exposed at locations such as schools and churches.
In line with this, South Carolina State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said in an online briefing that they "expect to continue to see cases well into January."
Kennedy directs federal officials to find treatment for measles amid lack of vaccination
According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, measles, caused by the measles virus, is a highly contagious, airborne infection characterized by a rash, fever and Koplik's spots. It is typically self-limiting, with symptoms resolving within seven to 10 days. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis and in severe cases, death.
However, the CDC revealed that nationally, measles vaccination coverage among kindergartners fell to 92.5% during the 2024 to 2025 school year. In some areas, rates are significantly lower. In Gaines County, Texas, where the state's outbreak began, coverage was reported at 82%.
As a result, a number of patients were hospitalized in 2025 due to complications. Three deaths were attributed to measles, though Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the individuals had underlying health conditions, including mononucleosis. Most reported cases occurred among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status could not be confirmed.
In turn, Kennedy directed federal officials during the Texas outbreak to examine which existing medications and vitamins might help treat measles. Meanwhile, the CDC continues to emphasize vaccination as the most effective prevention strategy.
"The CDC continues to recommend measles vaccination as the most effective way to prevent the disease," a spokesperson for the HHS said in May. "At the same time, we recognize that some individuals and communities across the U.S. may choose not to vaccinate. Our commitment is to support all families, regardless of their vaccination status, in reducing the risk of hospitalization, serious complications and death from measles."
Watch this video to learn the myths about measles.
This video is from the Data Dumper channel on Brighteon.com.
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