Yahoo News answers some of the most frequently asked questions about measles amid the multi-state outbreaks that started in West Texas.

CDC data shows 2025 is now the worst year for measles cases in this country in more than three decades. More than 150 people have been hospitalized due to the growing outbreak and three have died, including two unvaccinated children in Texas.

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,

Measles was considered eradicated in the United States in 2000. For the first time in 25 years, cases have reached a new high.

In 2025, the US reported 1,288 measles cases, the highest number in 33 years, primarily in Texas and neighboring states. Most infections occurred among unvaccinated individuals and vaccine-hesitant communities.

There have been more measles cases in the US this year than any other since the the disease was declared eliminated a quarter-century ago.

Michigan has reported 17 confirmed cases in 2025, including recent infections in Kent, Muskegon and Grand Traverse counties.