Measles Surge Spurs Call for Public Health Emergency Declaration

Measles cases in the U.S. have reached a record high in 2025, with 1,288 confirmed infections and three deaths—the first in a decade. The majority of cases stem from a regional outbreak in the Southwest.

Senator Chuck Schumer has urged the Health Secretary to declare a public health emergency to mobilize federal resources and enhance response efforts. Such a declaration could accelerate access to testing and treatments. Public health experts emphasize that timely federal action and sustained funding are critical to controlling measles’ rapid resurgence and preventing wider spread to other communities nationwide. Read the full article from NY Times here.