USA Records Over 800 Measles Cases in 2025

Los Angeles, April 26 (NationPress) The United States has documented 884 confirmed measles cases this year, indicating a significant rise compared to last year, as per the latest statistics from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2025, there have been 11 measles outbreaks reported nationwide. The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more interconnected cases. Confirmed instances have emerged across 30 US jurisdictions, resulting in 94 hospitalisations and three fatalities linked to the virus.

This year's measles statistics show a dramatic increase from 2024, when the total number of cases was 285.

The CDC stresses that the most effective method to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are known to be highly effective in warding off the disease, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The World Health Organisation states that measles is an extremely contagious viral illness that spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The virus can easily be transmitted when an infected individual breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can lead to severe health complications and even death.

Measles can impact individuals of any age, but it is particularly prevalent among children.

Measles targets the respiratory system and can quickly disseminate throughout the body. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a widespread rash.

Any person who is not immune (either unvaccinated or vaccinated but lacking immunity) is susceptible to infection. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from measles.

Receiving the vaccine is the most reliable way to avoid contracting measles or transmitting it to others. The vaccine is considered safe and strengthens your body's ability to combat the virus.

Prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963 and extensive vaccination campaigns, major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years, resulting in around 2.6 million deaths annually.

In 2023, an estimated 107,500 individuals succumbed to measles, primarily among children under five, despite the availability of safe and affordable vaccines.

In 2023, about 74 percent of children received both doses of the measles vaccine, while approximately 83 percent of children globally received at least one dose by their first birthday.

To ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks, it is recommended that children receive two doses of the vaccine, as not all children develop immunity from the initial dose.