Measles Outbreaks Surge in the U.S. Amid Global Health Concerns

BANGKOK -- The United States has reported its first measles-related death since 2015, attributed to an outbreak in rural West Texas where the victim was unvaccinated. Texas health authorities have confirmed 124 cases, while New Mexico has recorded nine. Typically, measles cases in the U.S. originate from travelers returning from abroad. Health experts are increasingly alarmed by falling vaccination rates globally, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, most states in the U.S. have vaccination rates below the critical 95% threshold necessary to shield communities from outbreaks.

In 2024, the U.K. experienced a notable rise in measles cases, with 2,911 confirmed instances, marking the highest annual total since 2012. The number of measles cases reported in the U.S. nearly doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year, raising alarms about the resurgence of this preventable childhood illness. Measles outbreaks have been confirmed in at least 18 states across the nation, affecting major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the interconnectedness of global health, stating that measles outbreaks in any part of the world pose a threat to public health everywhere. This article explores the current global landscape of measles.

Outside the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 10.3 million individuals contracted measles in 2023, resulting in around 107,500 deaths, predominantly among unvaccinated populations and young children. The highest incidence of measles cases is seen in regions with limited income and inadequate healthcare services, particularly in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Despite a slight decrease in measles-related fatalities in 2023, the frequency of outbreaks has surged, with significant incidents reported in 57 countries, including India, Indonesia, Russia, Yemen, and Iraq. The Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded the largest outbreak, with 311,500 cases reported in 2023.

Global childhood vaccination rates have declined, dropping from 86% in 2019 to 83% in 2023, largely due to disruptions in healthcare services caused by the pandemic. The WHO credits vaccination efforts with preventing over 60 million deaths worldwide from 2000 to 2023. In 2000, measles led to an estimated 800,062 deaths annually, and before the introduction of the vaccine in 1963, major outbreaks claimed about 2.6 million lives each year. The WHO indicates that achieving 95% immunity is essential to prevent outbreaks, as the virus can infect up to 90% of individuals who are exposed and lack immunity.

To combat the rising threat of measles, the WHO and other organizations are promoting the "Immunization Agenda 2021-2030," which aims to eliminate measles globally. Although independent experts declared the Americas free from endemic measles in 2016, this status was compromised in 2018 due to outbreaks in Brazil and Venezuela. Experts warn that declining vaccination rates are hindering efforts to fully eradicate the disease. In response, global health organizations are intensifying their initiatives to enhance immunization programs and address existing gaps in prevention.