Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · May 29
CDC Confirms 1,983 U.S. Measles Cases as 92% of Patients Lack Known Vaccination
Updated
Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · May 29
CDC Confirms 1,983 U.S. Measles Cases as 92% of Patients Lack Known Vaccination
2 articles · Updated · University of Minnesota Twin Cities · May 29
31 new measles infections pushed the U.S. total to 1,983 across 30 outbreaks, with all but nine cases acquired domestically.
92% of 2026 patients were unvaccinated or had unknown status; 72% were age 19 or younger, including 21% under 5, underscoring who has been hit hardest.
6% of patients have been hospitalized this year and no deaths have been reported, but doctors in Utah said severe cases included encephalitis, pneumonia and illness in 12 pregnant women.
Utah has 484 CDC-listed cases but appears to be slowing, while South Carolina's 669-case outbreak is already over; Texas has 182 cases and Florida 139.
A CDC review of 54 hospitalized West Texas patients from last year's outbreak found 72% had pneumonia, 4 needed intensive care, 2 required ventilation and 1 died, reinforcing vaccination as the main protection.
With a proven vaccine available, why is the U.S. on the verge of losing its measles elimination status?
How can parents protect infants too young for vaccination as highly contagious measles outbreaks continue to spread?
America’s Measles Crisis: Record 2,242 Cases in 2025 Signal Threat to Elimination Status and Public Trust
Overview
The United States is facing a major measles resurgence, reaching a 33-year high with over 2,200 cases and several deaths and hospitalizations in 2025. The outbreak has hit vulnerable groups hard, especially young children and older adults, and most cases occurred in people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. This rise is closely linked to declining vaccination rates and growing mistrust fueled by misinformation. The situation is straining public health systems and threatens the country’s measles elimination status, highlighting the urgent need to rebuild trust, strengthen vaccination programs, and improve public health leadership.