The United States has recorded its highest number of measles cases in 35 years, according to Johns Hopkins University, with public health experts linking the resurgence to declining vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy.
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE
The number of confirmed measles cases in the United States has climbed to 2,295 so far this year, marking the highest annual total since 1991, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University (JHU).
Measles was officially declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 following widespread vaccination campaigns. However, health authorities say cases have risen sharply over the past two years, with infections increasing more than eightfold compared with 2024.
Johns Hopkins said nearly all reported cases involve people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
The university noted that two doses of the measles vaccine are estimated to provide approximately 97 percent protection against infection.
Outbreaks Across Multiple States
According to the data, the largest outbreaks this year have occurred in South Carolina and Utah, following a major multistate outbreak centred in Texas during 2025 that spread into neighbouring New Mexico and other states.
The current figure remains well below the more than 9,600 cases recorded in 1991 but represents the highest level seen since measles was effectively eliminated more than two decades ago.
Public health experts say the resurgence reflects declining vaccination coverage in some communities, allowing the highly contagious virus to spread once introduced.
William Moss, professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, described the situation as the result of "years of undervaccination in some communities" and said it demonstrated the difficulty in preventing sustained transmission once immunity levels fall.
Vaccine Debate Continues
The outbreak comes amid continuing public debate over vaccination policy in the United States.
US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long questioned aspects of vaccine policy, encouraged people to receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine following the Texas outbreak while also stating that vaccination remains a personal decision.
President Donald Trump has likewise said he recommends the MMR vaccine but does not support making vaccination mandatory.
Health authorities have expressed concern that vaccine hesitancy increased during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, with debates surrounding mandates, public health messaging and misinformation continuing to influence vaccination uptake in some communities.
Public Health Perspective
Measles is one of the world's most contagious viral diseases and spreads through airborne respiratory droplets.
While many people recover fully, complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and in rare cases death, particularly among infants, immunocompromised individuals and those with weakened immune systems.
Public health agencies generally recommend maintaining high vaccination coverage to reduce the risk of community transmission, particularly among vulnerable populations who may be unable to receive vaccines for medical reasons.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
New Zealand eliminated endemic measles transmission in recent years but remains vulnerable to imported cases through international travel.
Health authorities have previously warned that declining childhood immunisation rates could increase the risk of outbreaks if measles is reintroduced from overseas.
The US experience highlights how quickly measles can return when community immunity falls below recommended levels, making vaccination coverage and rapid public health responses important issues for many countries, including New Zealand.
Source
RT
"US measles cases hit 35-year high"
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.