By the Numbers: Going viral

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Measles resurges as a rash of cases spreads

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2,242

The number of confirmed measles cases in the United States last year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making 2025 the biggest year for measles since 1991. Health organizations declared measles eliminated in the United States in 2000, but the Pan American Health Organization could revoke that status when it meets in April to review 2025 and 2026 outbreaks.

920

The number of measles cases recorded in an ongoing outbreak centered around Spartanburg County, S.C., as of Feb. 6. Health officials in Washington state report the virus has spread to the West Coast.

91.26%

The U.S. vaccination rate for measles according to research published by Johns Hopkins University last year, down from 93.92% prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and below the 95% rate that health experts say is necessary to stop the spread of measles.

9 out of 10

The number of people without immunity who are likely to catch measles if in proximity of an infected person, according to the CDC, making measles one of the most contagious of all viruses.

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