What You Need to Know
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,318 measles cases in the U.S. in 2023.
• This total surpasses the previous year’s count of 2,289 cases, marking a 35-year high.
• Approximately 93% of those infected with measles this year were unvaccinated, according to the CDC.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the United States has recorded 2,318 measles cases in the first seven months of 2023, exceeding last year’s total of 2,289 cases. This represents the highest number of measles cases seen in the U.S. in 35 years and coincides with a long-term decline in childhood vaccination rates. Dr. Richard Besser, a pediatrician and president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, noted that 93% of the infected individuals were unvaccinated, highlighting a concerning trend. The outbreak has been building since January 2025, with new cases emerging across various states, including Arizona, Delaware, and Wyoming.
Why It Matters
The rise in measles cases is significant as it reflects a broader decline in vaccination rates, which has made communities more vulnerable to preventable diseases. Measles is particularly contagious, and its resurgence could lead to increased outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough and meningitis. The current situation poses a risk to the public health status achieved in 2000 when the U.S. declared measles eliminated. The ongoing outbreaks underscore the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect public health.
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