Fact Check: Surprising numbers surrounding measles cases in the U.S.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but large outbreaks with 50 or more cases have become more frequent since then.

According to the CDC, so far in 2025, 884 cases have been reported—that compares to 285 cases last yea. Three deaths from measles have also been reported.

The number of cases this year is growing quickly, and the United States is closing in on its highest number of cases in modern history—1,274 cases in 2019.

Ninety-seven percent of cases reported are people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Most people who are vaccinated will be protected for life. And once you’ve had measles, you’re protected from getting it again.

Nationally, the two-dose measles vaccination rate is 92.7 percent, according to the CDC.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says the rate of vaccination in Missouri last year was 90.14 percent.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment puts the rate in Kansas at 90.8 percent.

Both states are well below the goal of 95%.

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