Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Measles Cases Rise as Childhood Vaccination Rates Plunge in US Counties
Measles, a disease that was almost gone, is making a comeback in the US.
This is because fewer kids are getting their shots after the COVID pandemic.
A new study shows that vaccination rates have dropped in many areas.
There have been lots of measles cases this year, the most in three decades, with most cases in unvaccinated people.
Experts say that if nearly everyone gets vaccinated, the disease won't spread easily.
However, some people aren't getting vaccinated, and this is causing outbreaks.
It's like a game of tag where the disease can easily spread if enough people are not protected.
Childhood measles vaccination rates have declined in almost 80% of US counties post-COVID.
The US has recorded the highest year-to-date measles cases in over three decades.
Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals, linked to both domestic and international travel.
Outbreaks are occurring in several states, including Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and North Dakota.
Experts emphasize the need for a 95% vaccination rate to prevent outbreaks.
- Who
- Children, particularly those unvaccinated, are most affected.
- What
- Measles cases are surging due to declining childhood vaccination rates following the COVID-19 pandemic.
- When
- Cases are at a 30-year high in 2024, with a decline in vaccination rates observed from 2022-2024 compared to pre-pandemic years (2017-2020).
- Where
- Across the US, with notable outbreaks in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and North Dakota
- Why
- Declining vaccination rates, coupled with international and domestic travel, have led to outbreaks.
- Measles Cases in 2024 (US)
- 30-year high
- Reported Measles Cases (US)
- 1,088
- Childhood Vaccination Rates Post-COVID
- Declined in ~80% of counties studied
- Vaccination Rate for Outbreak Prevention
- 95%
- Deaths During Outbreaks
- 3
- MMR Vaccine
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella