(Apr. 29, 2025) — In 2000, measles achieved the status of full elimination in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this is defined as “No measles spreading within the country and new cases are only found when someone contracts measles abroad and returns to the country.”

This achievement was an historic moment in American public health. However, as of this writing, there are nearly 500 new cases spanning three states.

Measles is caused by the Morbillivirus genus, an organism for which humans are the only natural host. It is spread person to person through respiratory droplets and is one of the most contagious pathogens known. Prior to the appearance of the characteristic rash, the infected person will generally experience cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis and fever.

The CDC recently issued a statement on the current measles outbreak, which contrasts sharply with its historical stance on vaccines: “The decision to vaccinate is a personal one. People should consult with their healthcare provider to understand their options to get a vaccine and should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with vaccines.”

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Increasing cases

Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health, comments: “I’m a bit stunned by that language. No vaccine is without risk, but that makes it sound like it’s a very active coin toss of a decision. We’ve already had more cases of measles in 2025 than we had in 2024, and it’s spread to multiple states. It is not a coin toss at this point.”

Last February, in response to news from Texas of the first measles death in the United States since 2015, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly installed secretary of Health and Human Services, stated: “We have measles outbreaks every year.”

The victim, an unvaccinated child, was one of 422 cases confirmed in Texas since January. The majority of those affected are under 18 years of age.

The World Health Organization (WHO), recognizing the potential global implications, recommends “sustained homogeneous coverage of at least 95% with the first and second doses of the measles containing vaccine (MCV) and strengthening integrated epidemiological surveillance of measles and rubella to achieve timely detection of all suspected cases in public and private healthcare facilities.”

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Nathalie Montijo

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Nathalie Raven Archangel-Montijo holds a rather interesting array of degrees and certifications, including master’s in nursing and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). She has post-master certification as an adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) and a license to practice acupuncture in California (L.Ac). To round all that out, she is certified in infection prevention and control (CIC) and as an advanced certified Hospice and palliative care nurse (ACHPN).

She also performs in the outlaw country band, Nineteen Hand Horse.