(NewsNation) — In 2025, the United States recorded more than 2,000 measles cases for the first time in over 30 years.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. saw 2,065 confirmed measles cases as of Dec. 30 — 93% of which were among people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
In 2024, the U.S. recorded just 285 cases; the last time cases topped 2,000 was in 1992.
Measles was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, a status that may soon be revoked due to the resurgence of the virus.
RFK Jr. touts fringe theories on measles treatment
The rise in measles cases coincides with efforts by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to downplay the severity of the disease and the importance of vaccination.
Earlier this year, in the midst of the largest single measles outbreak in decades, Kennedy publicly touted fringe theories about prevention and treatment, such as purported benefits of vitamin A and cod liver oil over the measles vaccine.
According to the CDC, two doses of the MMR vaccine are shown to be 97% effective against measles.
Which states were hit hardest by measles in 2025?
Last year, 2,041 measles cases were reported in 43 states, and the remaining 24 cases were reported among international visitors to the U.S.
Texas recorded the most cases with 803, followed by Arizona with 187 and South Carolina with 156.
NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report.
