Tara McPherson Corporate Wellness Team Lead View Bio

Measles is one of the most infectious viruses. In fact, about 9 out of 10 people not vaccinated against measles will become infected when exposed to the virus. While highly contagious, measles is preventable. Health experts estimate that when 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, both those individuals and others in their community are protected against measles.

However, the United States is experiencing an unusual spread of measles. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles outbreaks have infected more than 2,600 people since the beginning of 2025, with cases in all but six states in the country. In 2026 alone, there have been more than 1,000 confirmed cases, and the number is growing.

These recent cases are jeopardizing the United States’ status as a measles-free country. Measles was eliminated in the country by 2000, but has resurfaced with periodic outbreaks, mostly among unvaccinated people. Childhood vaccination has been declining recently, leaving communities vulnerable. According to CDC data, the national measles vaccination rate for kindergartners dropped from 95.2% (2019-20) to 92.5% (2024-25), leaving an estimated 286,000 children vulnerable. Many states fall short of the 95% threshold for herd immunity, increasing the risk of rapid spread.

What Can You Do?
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has urged Americans to get vaccinated against measles amid outbreaks in the United States. To put it in perspective, the country has reported four times as many measles cases in recent weeks as it typically sees throughout an entire year.

Measles remains a preventable yet serious disease. Outbreaks highlight the importance of maintaining strong vaccination rates, recognizing symptoms early and following public health guidance. While the virus spreads easily, communities with high immunization coverage can stop outbreaks quickly and protect vulnerable people.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about measles or the MMR/MMRV vaccines. If you don’t have immunity against measles and become exposed to it, talk with your doctor about getting the MMR vaccine. The CDC advises that it’s not harmful to get the MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps or rubella. In fact, doing so may prevent later disease