US measles epidemic: nearly 400 cases reported in 2025, first death in a decade

The measles epidemic in the United States has affected 17 states, with 378 cases and two deaths in 2025. Most of those infected are unvaccinated children

On 11 March 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) received a report from the US National Focal Point on an ongoing measles outbreak of nearly 400 cases. Notified under the International Health Regulations as an ‘abnormal event with a potential significant public health impact’, the outbreak has resulted in more cases and deaths than in previous years.

From 1 January to 20 March 2025, 17 states reported a total of 378 measles cases, including two deaths. One of the deaths was confirmed in Texas, while another is currently under investigation in New Mexico. These are the first measles-related deaths in the United States in a decade. In addition, cases related to the outbreak in Texas have also been reported in Mexico.

The epidemic is mainly affecting unvaccinated children or children with unknown vaccination status, with an overall hospitalisation rate of 17%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government agencies are working to contain three separate outbreaks, accounting for 90% of the total cases.

In Texas, in the South Plains and Panhandle regions, 259 cases were reported from late January to 14 March 2025. Of these, 34 patients were hospitalised and 99% of those infected were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. The first death, which occurred in February, concerned an unvaccinated school-age child resident in the epidemic area.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, imported cases continue to occur as the disease remains endemic in other parts of the world.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)