What's happened
As of May 20, 2025, Texas has reported a total of 718 measles cases, with the outbreak primarily affecting unvaccinated communities. The U.S. has seen 1,024 cases across 30 states this year, driven by misinformation about vaccines and declining vaccination rates. The situation reflects a broader public health crisis.
What's behind the headline?
Key Factors Behind the Outbreak
- Misinformation: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a prominent figure in spreading doubts about the safety of vaccines, undermining public confidence.
- Vaccination Rates: Nationwide vaccination rates have dropped, with only 92.7% of kindergartners vaccinated against measles, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
- Community Impact: The outbreak has severely affected unvaccinated communities, particularly among the Mennonite population in Texas, highlighting the consequences of vaccine hesitancy.
Implications for Public Health
- Increased Risk: Measles is highly contagious, and the current outbreak poses a significant risk to unvaccinated individuals, including infants and those with weakened immune systems.
- Public Trust: The ongoing crisis reflects a broader erosion of trust in health authorities, complicating efforts to combat vaccine misinformation and improve public health outcomes.
- Future Outlook: Without a concerted effort to address misinformation and improve vaccination rates, the U.S. may continue to face outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
What the papers say
According to Bloomberg, Texas has reported a total of 718 measles cases, with the outbreak primarily affecting unvaccinated communities. The CDC noted that the U.S. has seen 1,024 cases across 30 states this year, driven by misinformation about vaccines and declining vaccination rates. The South China Morning Post highlights that the outbreak is particularly severe among a vaccine-sceptical Mennonite community in Texas, which has been hit hard by the disease. The Guardian reports that the situation in the U.S. is part of a larger trend, with South Korea also experiencing a rise in measles cases due to low vaccination rates and international travel. This underscores the global nature of the vaccine hesitancy issue, as seen in Vietnam and Thailand, where outbreaks have also been reported.
How we got here
The current measles outbreak in the U.S. is the largest in decades, primarily affecting Texas, where misinformation about vaccines has led to low vaccination rates. The CDC has reported a significant increase in cases, with the outbreak exacerbated by public distrust in health authorities.
Go deeper
- What are the vaccination rates in Texas?
- How is the government responding to the outbreak?
- What can individuals do to protect themselves?
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.
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What is Driving the Current Measles Outbreak in the US?
The US is currently facing its largest measles outbreak in 25 years, with over 1,000 reported cases. Understanding the causes behind this alarming trend is crucial for public health and safety. Below, we explore the factors contributing to this outbreak and what can be done to mitigate its impact.
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What is Driving the Current Measles Outbreak in Texas?
The ongoing measles outbreak in Texas has raised significant public health concerns, particularly as misinformation about vaccines continues to spread. With 718 reported cases in Texas alone, many are left wondering about the causes and implications of this crisis. Below, we address common questions surrounding the outbreak and its impact on communities.
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., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving since 2025 as the 26th United States secretary of healt
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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.