In 2000, with no measles spread in the US and new cases only contracted through foreign travel, the virus was declared as officially eliminated from the United States. Measles elimination status was a historic public health achievement, but it has now not only been invalidated by the number of cases in 2025, but the virus is at risk of, once again, becoming endemic.
Measles have surged in 2025 to rates unseen in this decade, with the total of 884 confirmed cases reported by 30 states as of April 24, 2025, not only far outnumbering the 285 cases of 2024, but both years also significantly exceed the 63 cases of 2023, as shown in the CDC graph below.
Of critical importance is that, of those infected with measles, 97% were unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. Additionally, 93% of the confirmed cases were outbreak related with 11 outbreaks reported in 2025. Because of this, it is predicted that at current immunization rates, measles may become endemic again within two decades, or even more quickly if vaccination rates decline further. On the positive side, small increases in vaccine coverage would prevent this.
On the business side of things, if you are in a region where outbreaks are occurring, it is important to maintain public health communications with your workforce, reenforcing the need to stay home when ill, and consult a healthcare professional if showing any symptoms of measles or have questions about their vaccination status. For more information and resources, visit CDC’s measles webpage and see TAG’s Infectious Disease Fact Sheet on Measles.
If you are unsure of the measles activity in your area or how to communicate with your workers on public health issues, give TAG a call. We have the experience and expertise to help!
COVID Risk Matrix:
Influenza:
Infectious Disease News:
- Measles cases in Europe and the Americas surged in 2024, with Europe seeing a 10-fold increase and the Americas an 11-fold rise compared to 2023, largely due to falling vaccination rates. Most European cases occurred in Romania, where outbreaks have been especially severe, and young unvaccinated children have been the most affected.
- Ontario is experiencing a major measles outbreak, with 804 cases reported so far in 2025, contributing to Canada’s highest measles total since eradication over 25 years ago. Doctors are concerned about severe complications and potential deaths, especially among unvaccinated children and immunocompromised patients.
- Flu activity in the U.S. continues to decline, with fewer outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and a lower test positivity rate, according to the CDC. However, pediatric flu deaths have risen to 204 this season—close to last season’s total—with the most recent deaths linked to the H1N1 strain.
- A new survey shows that 58% of U.S. adults would be willing to get an mpox vaccine if recommended by a doctor or health authority, an increase from 46% in 2022. Trust in healthcare workers remains high, and the study highlights the importance of using trusted sources to improve public awareness and vaccination rates.
