Map of Measles Cases Spiking as Trump Admin Overhauls Vaccine Advice
U.S. measles cases hit 2,566 as outbreaks surge nationwide, with 94% linked to ongoing transmission.
The United States is witnessing its most significant measles outbreak in over three decades, with Wisconsin among the states experiencing new cases linked to the spread. The Trump administration is in the process of overhauling childhood vaccine recommendations, prompting concerns from medical professionals and state health officials.
As of August 13, the CDC reported 2,566 confirmed measles cases nationwide, with 38 new outbreaks this year accounting for 94 percent of all cases. Wisconsin, along with 47 other jurisdictions, is reporting infections, with a decline in MMR coverage among young children contributing to the surge. The administration's new "Gold Standard Childhood Vaccine Recommendations" would further alter the way children receive vaccines, raising concerns among pediatric experts.
The geographic spread of cases aligns with declining MMR vaccination rates, particularly in regions where kindergarten coverage has fallen below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity. Wisconsin's measles uptick coincides with the state's overall decline in childhood vaccination rates, with MMR coverage for 24-month-olds dropping from 84.9 percent in 2019 to 79.8 percent in 2025.
The administration's directive to split the MMR vaccine into three separate shots and space out other vaccines has drawn criticism from public health experts, who argue it is not supported by evidence. Despite the order, single-antigen measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are not currently available in the U.S. as manufacturers have not announced plans to produce them.
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