Measles Cases in the US Reach Highest Level in 35 Years

The United States has seen a significant rise in measles cases this year, with over 5,000 reported so far. This is the highest number of cases in 35 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of now, there have been 5,182 confirmed cases of measles across the country. This figure is a sharp increase from the 2,289 cases recorded in all of 2025. The last time the CDC reported such a high number of measles cases was in 1991.

Health officials have also noted at least eight deaths related to measles, including among very young children. Measles was declared eradicated in the US in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, but it has made a comeback in recent years. This resurgence is attributed to declining vaccination rates and growing skepticism about vaccines.

Robert Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in vaccine skepticism and a former health secretary, has been criticized for spreading misinformation about vaccines and downplaying the risks associated with measles.

Measles is known for causing fever, respiratory issues, and a rash. It can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation, which can result in long-term health problems or death. Before the vaccine was introduced in the early 1960s, measles was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of children each year in the US.