Increased Measles Cases Reach Highest Level Since Eradication in U.S. Territory
In a concerning turn of events, measles cases have surged across North America, with the United States and Canada experiencing significant outbreaks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported at least 1,277 confirmed cases of measles in the US in 2025, surpassing the record from 2019, which had a total of 1,274 cases.
One of the most affected regions in the US is Texas, where over 750 confirmed cases have been associated with one outbreak that started in late January. The outbreak has primarily been linked to networks of undervaccinated religious communities, where lower vaccination rates have created vulnerable populations for measles transmission.
The situation is similarly dire in Canada, with at least one death reported this year, and another large outbreak happening in Ontario, linked to multiple cases in Michigan. In Gaines County, Texas, nearly 1 in 4 kindergartners in the 2024-25 school year did not have their required MMR vaccine, one of the worst rates in the state.
Mexico, too, has been battling a large outbreak of measles, particularly in Chihuahua, where at least nine deaths have been reported. The outbreak has primarily affected the local Mennonite population.
The spread of measles through networks of unvaccinated individuals, both locally and internationally, has been a significant concern. Unvaccinated travelers returning from countries with ongoing measles outbreaks can introduce the virus to local communities, contributing to domestic cases.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has failed to reach its goal of having at least 95% of children in kindergarten vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine for four years in a row. This increase in vaccine skepticism and hesitancy has led to lower vaccination rates in some areas, further exacerbating the risk of outbreaks.
To combat this, special vaccination clinics have been organised in response to the outbreak, leading to additional coverage for thousands of people. The CDC advises that anyone travelling internationally should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.
In a bid to control the spread of measles, Mexico has issued a travel warning for people travelling to the US and Canada due to high measles case rates. The US has also advised that anyone planning to travel should ensure they are up-to-date with their vaccinations.
The rising cases of measles serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but an average of about 180 cases have been reported each year since then. Public health officials are working diligently to control the current outbreaks and encourage vaccination to protect vulnerable populations.
- Science has become increasingly crucial in addressing the current surge of measles cases across North America.
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