What's happened
As of May 9, 2025, the U.S. faces a significant measles outbreak, primarily in Texas, with 709 confirmed cases. Similar outbreaks are reported in South Korea, Canada, and Mexico, raising concerns about vaccination rates and public health safety.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- The U.S. is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in 25 years, with Texas as the epicenter, reporting 709 cases.
- South Korea has recorded its highest number of cases in six years, with 52 confirmed cases in 2025.
Contributing Factors
- Low vaccination rates are a significant concern, with only 91% of Americans vaccinated against measles, below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
- International travel has facilitated the spread of the virus, as seen in South Korea and Vietnam, where unvaccinated travelers have contributed to outbreaks.
Implications
- Health experts warn that the ongoing outbreaks could lead to further complications, including severe health issues and increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.
- The situation underscores the urgent need for public health campaigns to improve vaccination rates and combat misinformation surrounding vaccines.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Texas has reported 709 confirmed measles cases, with two unvaccinated children and one adult dying from related illnesses. The Guardian highlights that South Korea has seen a rise in cases due to unvaccinated travelers, with 52 cases reported this year, surpassing the total for 2024. The NY Post notes that the U.S. has struggled to maintain herd immunity, with vaccination rates dropping to 91%, leading to a resurgence of measles cases. The CDC confirms that nearly all infected individuals in the current outbreak are unvaccinated, emphasizing the critical need for vaccination to prevent further spread.
How we got here
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to high vaccination rates. However, declining immunization levels, fueled by anti-vaccine sentiments, have led to a resurgence of cases, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage.
Go deeper
- What are the symptoms of measles?
- How can I protect myself from measles?
- What is being done to increase vaccination rates?
Common question
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What is Causing the Current Measles Outbreak in the U.S.?
As of May 2025, the U.S. is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, primarily concentrated in Texas. With 709 confirmed cases and rising concerns about vaccination rates, many are asking what is behind this resurgence. This page addresses common questions about the outbreak, its causes, and how individuals can protect themselves and their families.
More on these topics
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Texas is a state in the South Central Region of the United States. It is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population.