Measles, Whooping Cough Cases Surge Amid Low Vaccination Rates, CDC Reports
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,983 measles cases nationally this year, approaching the 2,288 total for all of 2025. Twelve states and the District of Columbia have already recorded more measles cases than they did in all of 2025. South Carolina leads with 669 cases, followed by Utah with 484. Whooping cough deaths rose to 22 last year, the highest level since 2010, with Ohio and Florida most affected. The Trump administration opened a quarantine center in Kenya on May 29 for Americans exposed to Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Infectious Diseases Society of America criticized the move, raising concerns about resources and care. Dr. Andrew Pavia of the University of Utah stated that the United States will likely lose its measles elimination status this fall.
What’s reported
CDC reported 1,983 measles cases nationally this year, nearly the 2,288 total for all of 2025.
12 states and DC have more measles cases than in all of 2025.
South Carolina has 669 cases, Utah 484, Florida 139, Virginia 63.
South Carolina outbreak ended in April; Utah outbreak from Short Creek area is slowing.
Dozens of measles patients hospitalized; one baby developed congenital measles but survived.
U.S. expected to lose measles elimination status this fall.
$11 billion federal funding cuts to local public health last year delayed by a restraining order; case in settlement negotiations.
COVID-19 causes more than 1,000 deaths per month; wastewater hotspots in Appalachian region and Michigan.
Whooping cough deaths in 2025 at highest since 2010: 22 deaths.
Louisiana accused of unusual delays reporting a whooping cough outbreak; ended promotion of vaccines after deaths.
At least three babies died in Kentucky, at least one in Oregon from whooping cough last year.
Trump administration announced a quarantine center in Kenya opening May 29 for Americans exposed to Ebola.
IDSA criticized the quarantine center decision.
CDC directive May 22 prohibited entry of non-citizens from DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan in previous 21 days.
Ebola killed 224 people in the region; more than 900 suspected cases.
Key figures
Dr. Andrew Pavia, pediatrician and professor at the University of Utah
Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, pediatrician and professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Tim Henderson, reporter for Stateline
Sources: stateline.org
