What's happened
As of May 16, 2025, the US has reported 1,024 measles infections across 30 states, with Texas experiencing the majority. The outbreak is fueled by low vaccination rates and misinformation about vaccines, particularly from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This situation reflects a broader decline in public trust in health authorities.
What's behind the headline?
Key Factors Behind the Outbreak
- Misinformation: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s claims about vaccine dangers have undermined public confidence in the MMR vaccine.
- Vaccination Rates: Nationwide immunization rates have fallen below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, with coverage among kindergartners dropping from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.7% in 2023-2024.
- Community Impact: The outbreak has particularly affected vaccine-sceptical communities, such as the Mennonite population along the Texas-New Mexico border.
Implications
- Public Health Crisis: The current outbreak, which has resulted in three deaths, is the deadliest in decades, highlighting the urgent need for increased vaccination efforts.
- Trust in Health Authorities: The situation reflects a broader erosion of trust in public health messaging, complicating efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy.
- Future Outlook: Without significant changes in public perception and vaccination rates, the US may continue to see outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
What the papers say
According to Bloomberg, the CDC reported a total of 1,024 measles cases as of May 16, 2025, marking a significant increase from previous weeks. The South China Morning Post highlighted that misinformation from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has contributed to declining vaccination rates, particularly in Texas, where over 70% of cases have been reported. The Guardian noted that South Korea is also experiencing a rise in measles cases, raising concerns about global vaccination efforts. This interconnectedness of outbreaks emphasizes the need for a coordinated response to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
How we got here
The US is facing its largest measles outbreak in decades, with cases primarily concentrated in Texas. Contributing factors include misinformation about vaccines and declining vaccination rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has reported significant drops in measles vaccination coverage among kindergartners.
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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Why Are Measles Cases Increasing in the U.S.?
The recent surge in measles cases in the U.S. has raised alarms among public health officials. With a reported 7% increase, totaling 66 new cases across 30 states, many are questioning the role of vaccine hesitancy in this outbreak. Understanding the factors behind this rise can help address public concerns and improve vaccination rates.
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Why Are Measles Outbreaks Increasing in the US and Asia?
Measles outbreaks are on the rise in the US and Asia, raising concerns about public health and vaccination rates. Understanding the causes behind these outbreaks can help address the misinformation and improve vaccination efforts globally. Here are some common questions people have about this alarming trend.
More on these topics
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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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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Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954), also known by his initials RFK Jr. or as Bobby Kennedy Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving since 2025 as the 26th United..