What’s Next for Measles in the U.S.?

May 29, 2025

Measles cases have crossed the 1,000-case threshold, as public health officials continue to monitor the spread of the virus in Pennsylvania and across the nation.

The country has seen the second-most cases since 2000, but there is good news as the outbreak in west Texas appears to be slowing from earlier this year.

Here’s what you need to know:

• State of the spread:  There have been 1,046 cases reported, with the larger majority stemming from the outbreak in Texas (729).
  • About 12 percent of reported measles cases have been hospitalized, and there have been two confirmed deaths.
• In Pennsylvania:  Through mid-May, 15 cases have been reported in Pennsylvania, with a few cases tied to international travel.
• Vaccination:  Pennsylvania and other states have seen overall vaccination rates fall in the last five years.
  • Vaccination coverage for kindergartners in Pennsylvania (93.5%) and nationally (92.7%) have fallen below the 95 percent threshold for herd immunity.
• For providers:  Providers should report suspected measles cases to local public health authorities or to the Department of Health at (877) 724-3258.
• The bottom line:  “The best protection against measles is vaccination,” the Pennsylvania Department of Health noted in an advisory earlier this year. “Getting vaccinated is far safer than contracting measles, mumps, or rubella. While overall population immunity remains high in most U.S. communities, pockets of low vaccine coverage put certain areas at greater risk for outbreaks.”

Learn more about the spread of measles across the U.S. online.