The Big Story 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 80 new measles cases this week, the biggest jump since April.

© AP

A total of 1,168 confirmed measles cases were reported in 34 states as of Thursday. The number of cases has quadrupled since 2024, when the country saw just 285 cases. 

At the current rate, the U.S. will likely soon surpass the 1,274 cases from 2019, the highest annual number since the disease was eliminated in 2000. The 2019 outbreak was driven largely by spread among under-vaccinated communities in New York City and the state.

Measles was officially eliminated in 2000 due to a highly effective vaccination program, but vaccinations have waned, and the 2019 outbreak threatened that status.  

According to the CDC, vaccination coverage for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) among kindergarteners is below the 95 percent target — and much lower in some communities. And it’s decreasing. During the 2023 to 2024 school year, just under 93 percent of kindergartners received the MMR vaccine.

Among the nationally confirmed cases, the CDC said 95 percent are among people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.  

An outbreak has been spreading in West Texas, but has slowed in recent weeks. There have been 742 cases confirmed in the state since late January, but no new cases since Tuesday.  

Many of the latest cases seem to be linked to travel, as the CDC reported 17 separate outbreaks. Of cases reported so far, 89 percent are linked to outbreaks, the agency said.  

There have been three confirmed deaths this year. Two of them were unvaccinated children in Texas who had no known underlying conditions. A third death was reported in New Mexico in an unvaccinated adult who tested positive after dying. 

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. Just one infected patient can spread measles to up to 9 out of 10 susceptible close contacts, according to the CDC.  

Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter, we’re Nathaniel Weixel, Joseph Choi and Alejandra O’Connell-Domenech — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health.

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