Measles Cases Hit 33-Year Record as CORI Deploys Outbreak Response Tools

July 24, 2025

The United States is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak in 33 years, with 1,277 confirmed cases across 38 states and Washington D.C., surpassing 2019 figures and marking the largest outbreak since 1992. Officials attribute this surge to declining vaccination rates and travel-related exposures that have spread infections across state lines, putting significant pressure on public health agencies. The Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI), operating within Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, has developed specialized tools, resources, and a Community of Practice to help health departments respond effectively to outbreaks.

Who is affected

Communities with declining vaccination rates
Local and state public health agencies
State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments
Residents across 38 states and the District of Columbia where measles cases have been confirmed

What action is being taken

CORI is providing specialized tools and resources to help jurisdictions prepare for and respond to outbreaks
CORI is operating a national Community of Practice connecting various health departments to share experiences
CORI is supplying modeling outputs, situation reports, and guidance documents to support containment strategies
Health departments are working to contain measles transmission across affected states

Why it matters

The current outbreak represents the largest measles outbreak since 1992, with over 1,277 confirmed infections
The surge is placing significant strain on local and state public health agencies
Declining vaccination rates combined with travel-related exposures are contributing to widespread transmission
The situation threatens public health across multiple states and requires coordinated response efforts

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint