U.S. measles outbreaks may end a hard-won victory over the virus

The United States is facing a pivotal moment in efforts to keep one of the world’s most contagious diseases at bay. Measles cases have reached a 33-year high just halfway through 2025. This grim milestone has public health experts worried that unless vaccination rates rise, the virus could cause more regular outbreaks every year.

As of July 15, a total of 1,309 people had been diagnosed with measles, the highest number since the disease largely stopped circulating in the…