Numbers in the News: Measles

This year, the U.S. experienced its highest number of measles cases in three decades. Here are some facts about this highly contagious disease.

December 15, 2025

9th CENTURY

The century in which a Persian physician published one of the first accounts of measles, which causes a rash and high fever.

1963

The year the measles vaccine was introduced. It protects people from the virus that causes the disease.

93,712,000

The estimated number of measles deaths prevented by vaccines since 1974.

1,596

The number of measles cases reported in the U.S. in 2025, as of October. In 2020, there were only 13 reported cases.

1 IN 4

The number of people who go to the hospital after catching measles.

TAKE IT FURTHER: Talk to someone who was born before the measles vaccine was introduced. Did they have the disease or know someone who did? What was their experience like?

_{SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, THE LANCET (2024)}

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