The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in its latest update that the number of measles cases in the country has risen to 1,267, with 40 new cases reported recently. This figure is only eight cases short of surpassing the total for all of 2019, which had been the highest annual count since measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000.
While the significant outbreak in West Texas has shown signs of slowing down, smaller outbreaks and cases associated with travel are still on the rise. The CDC has identified four additional outbreaks this week, bringing the national total to 27. Alarmingly, 88% of the confirmed cases this year have been connected to these outbreaks. In comparison, the entire year of 2024 had only 16 reported outbreaks.
The increase in measles cases in the US aligns with alarming trends in neighboring countries. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported a staggering 29-fold increase in measles cases across the Americas compared to the same period in 2024. Canada has recorded 3,170 cases, with one fatality, while Mexico has documented 2,597 cases, including nine deaths. These outbreaks are largely traced back to the spread of the virus within Mennonite communities, although any communities with lower vaccination rates are susceptible to such outbreaks.
In a related update, Wyoming confirmed its first measles case in 15 years, involving an unvaccinated child from Natrona County. The state health officials are investigating the source of the infection and have cautioned that public exposure might have occurred during recent visits to a local emergency department.
Other states are also reporting increases in measles cases. Utah has confirmed two additional infections connected to earlier cases, raising its total to nine. In Michigan, Kent County reported a new case in a young child whose family recently traveled internationally. Florida reported its third case of the year involving a young adult from Leon County who was exposed during travel outside the country. Kansas has reported three new cases linked to an outbreak tied to the West Texas situation, bringing its total to 83 cases.
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer, highlighted that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective, advocating for all residents to ensure they and their children are current on vaccinations.
This alarming increase in measles cases serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. It showcases the resilience of public health measures, where increased awareness and proactive vaccination could potentially help control and reduce outbreaks in the future.