The United States (US) is currently facing its worst measles outbreak in over three decades, with nearly 40 out of 50 states battling the spread of the highly contagious disease.
A report released by Johns Hopkins University on Monday revealed that 1,277 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of 2025 — the highest number since 1992.
Texas has been the hardest hit, accounting for over 60 percent of the reported cases.
The outbreak began in late January in a rural part of the state, where a Mennonite Christian community known for opposing vaccines was severely affected.
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So far, three people — all unvaccinated — have died from the disease, including two young children. Health experts fear the actual number of cases and deaths may be higher due to under-reporting.
Once considered eliminated in the US thanks to widespread vaccination, measles has made a strong comeback.
Experts blame falling vaccination rates and growing public mistrust in health authorities. This mistrust has been partly fuelled by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is widely criticised for spreading misinformation about the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, but Kennedy has falsely claimed it is harmful and contains foetal material — statements public health officials say have undermined confidence in vaccination programmes.
Neighbouring countries have also been affected. Canada has recorded more than 3,500 cases and one death this year, mostly in Ontario, while Mexico has reported nearly 2,600 cases and nine deaths, according to the Pan-American Health Organization.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes, making high vaccination rates crucial in preventing large outbreaks.
