Tracking measles cases in the United States

CNN - Apr 4th, 2025
Open on CNN

The United States is experiencing a surge in measles cases, primarily driven by an outbreak in West Texas. This has heightened concerns among public health experts due to a decline in vaccination rates among children. The outbreak has already resulted in the first reported measles death in the US since 2015. Most cases involve individuals younger than 20, highlighting the vulnerability of unvaccinated children to this highly contagious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation, with updates being released as new data is collected from state health departments.

The implications of this outbreak are significant, particularly as the US risks losing its measles elimination status if the outbreak persists for a year or more. Measles was officially eliminated in the US in 2000, but the current situation mirrors past outbreaks, such as the 2019 cases in underimmunized communities. The key factor behind the resurgence is the declining vaccination rate, which has dropped below the target 95% coverage. With the MMR vaccine proving highly effective, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination levels to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.

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RATING

8.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a comprehensive and accurate account of the recent measles outbreak in the United States, supported by credible sources such as the CDC and expert opinions. It effectively highlights the public health implications of the outbreak and the importance of vaccination, making it highly relevant and timely. The article is well-structured and clear, with a logical flow of information that is easy for readers to follow. While the story could benefit from a wider range of perspectives and a deeper exploration of vaccine hesitancy, it maintains a balanced and neutral tone throughout. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about the current measles situation and the need for increased vaccination efforts, making it a valuable contribution to public health discourse.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The news story is largely accurate in its depiction of the measles situation in the United States. It correctly identifies the recent increase in measles cases and attributes this to outbreaks, particularly in West Texas, which aligns with the reported data of 483 cases across 20 jurisdictions and 5 outbreaks in 2025. The story also accurately mentions the first reported measles death in the U.S. since 2015, which is confirmed by the data. Furthermore, the claims about the symptoms, complications, and effectiveness of the measles vaccine are consistent with CDC information. However, the hospitalization rate mentioned in the story is slightly higher than what the data indicates, which is 14% rather than the reported 20%. Overall, the story provides a precise and truthful account of the current measles outbreak, supported by authoritative sources.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the measles outbreak, focusing on both the public health implications and the importance of vaccination. It includes perspectives from public health experts and the CDC, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the situation. However, the story could have been further enriched by including interviews or statements from affected communities or individuals, which would offer a more personal perspective on the impact of the outbreak. Additionally, while the article emphasizes the role of unvaccinated individuals in driving the outbreak, it does not explore potential reasons for vaccine hesitancy or refusal, which could provide a more nuanced view of the issue.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written and clear, with a logical flow of information that makes it easy for readers to understand the key points. The language is straightforward and neutral, avoiding any sensationalism or bias. The structure of the article, which presents the facts followed by expert opinions and historical context, helps readers grasp the significance of the measles outbreak. However, the inclusion of more detailed explanations about the data collection process and potential reasons for vaccine hesitancy could enhance clarity further.

9
Source quality

The article relies on credible and authoritative sources, primarily the CDC, which is a leading public health authority. It also references expert opinions, such as that of Dr. Michael Mina, an expert in epidemiology and immunology. The use of these sources adds significant credibility to the article. However, the article could benefit from a wider variety of sources, such as local health departments or international health organizations, to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation. Nonetheless, the reliance on well-established sources ensures that the information is reliable and trustworthy.

8
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly stating the sources of its information, such as the CDC and expert opinions. It provides a clear explanation of the basis for its claims, such as vaccination rates and outbreak statistics. However, the article could improve transparency by detailing how the data was collected and any potential limitations of the data. Additionally, while the article mentions the role of unvaccinated individuals in the outbreak, it does not explore the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy, which could provide additional context for readers.

Sources

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
  2. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON561
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00522.html
  4. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/sites/default/files/2025-02/Measles-Risk-Assessment-1.31.25.pdf
  5. https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/measles.shtml