Published on
As of October 8, 2025, there have been a total of 1,563 confirmed measles cases reported in 42 states this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The largest proportion of cases are among those ages 5-19 years (39%), and 92% of all cases are among unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccine status. However, experts speaking to NPR believe the numbers are actually much higher than what has been reported and confirmed through federal data. States are tracking cases and wastewater detections of measles infection while also notifying communities of possible exposure sites. An ongoing outbreak in South Carolina recently resulted in 153 unvaccinated schoolchildren being placed in quarantine. One charter school with a vaccination rate of just 17% is included in the quarantine, and a fitness gym and an elementary school have been identified as sites of potential exposure as well. Another outbreak around southwestern Utah continues to grow, reaching 56 cases in the state, as of October 14 with 6 hospitalizations. In Arizona, officials have reported 77 cases of measles and 3 hospitalizations as of October 14.
Long ago: The measles vaccine became available in 1963. Before widespread vaccination, about 400-500 Americans died each year from measles.