MEASLES OUTBREAK SURGES IN U.S. AS VACCINE RATES FALL AND TRAVEL FUELS SPREAD

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on JUNE 17,2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

Measles is surging across the U.S. in 2025, with nearly 1,200 cases in 34 states—the highest since 2019. Texas leads the outbreak, with 744 cases across 35 counties, particularly in low-vaccinated areas like Gaines County. Two children have died, and nearly 100 have been hospitalized. The virus spread east into New Mexico (81 cases), Kansas (72–76 cases), and North Dakota (34 cases), which now has the highest per-capita rate. Other states like Ohio, Oklahoma, and Montana have seen smaller clusters.

Vaccine coverage has sharply declined since the COVID era, with many counties falling below the 95% herd immunity threshold. Unvaccinated communities—especially religious ones like Mennonites—are driving spread, alongside international travel. The CDC urges Americans to check their MMR status, especially before travel. States are ramping up vaccinations and even monitoring wastewater for outbreaks. But limited budgets and vaccine skepticism have made prevention harder—turning a preventable disease into a national crisis.