Measles cases in the United States are the highest they’ve been since the country eliminated the disease in 2000. The U.S. has reported 1,277 cases since the start of the year, according to NBC News’ tally of state health department data.

As the U.S. records its worth year for measles spread since 2019, the Illinois Department of Public Health Friday will hold an update on the status of the highly contagious virus with cases across the state.

Measles cases have been reported by 39 states and jurisdictions in the United States, the worst outbreak since 2019.

The US has recorded its highest number of confirmed measles cases since the year 2000, adding to fears that falling rates of vaccination are allowing infectious diseases to propagate. The country has recorded 1288 cases so far in 2025,

The University of Texas and Austin Public Health created a measles simulator for school districts and private schools around the county to better understand their risks.

As the measles outbreak continues in West Texas and two neighboring states, The Dallas Morning News will keep this page updated every Tuesday with information on confirmed cases.

The U.S. thought it had eradicated measles 25 years ago. Now the highly contagious disease is back, spiking to more than 1,200 cases already in 2025.

While measles symptoms typically resolve in a few weeks, the virus can cause pneumonia, making it difficult for patients, especially children, to get oxygen into their lungs. It may also lead to brain swelling, which can cause lasting damage, including blindness, deafness and intellectual disabilities.