U.S. Sees Highest Measles Cases in 35 Years, Urges Vaccination

The United States has recorded its highest number of measles infections in 35 years, with 2,371 confirmed cases reported in 2025, surpassing the previous year's total of 2,289 cases. This marks the highest annual number of infections since 1991.

Health Secretary Robert Kennedy publicly urged parents to vaccinate their children against measles during an interview on CNN’s State of the Union. He stated that the measles vaccine is effective, stopping the disease in about 97% of cases.

The significant rise in infections raises concerns among public health experts regarding the potential loss of the country's measles elimination status, which has been maintained since 2000. Kennedy's endorsement of vaccination is notable as he was previously a prominent vaccine skeptic, questioning vaccine safety and effectiveness before becoming Health Secretary under President Donald Trump.

He encouraged Americans to receive the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as primary protection against measles.