U.S. measles infections have reached 1,288 so far this year, topping the 1,274 cases logged in 2019 and marking the highest annual total since 1992, according to data released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The milestone comes just 25 years after the virus was declared eliminated nationally in 2000. The surge is being driven by 27 recognised outbreaks in 38 states. Texas alone accounts for roughly 750 infections, most linked to a West Texas Mennonite community where vaccination rates are low. Nationwide, 92 % of patients are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccine status, and about 12 % have required hospital care. Health officials have confirmed three deaths—two school-aged children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico. Federal and state epidemiologists warn that the U.S. could lose its measles-elimination status if uninterrupted transmission extends beyond 12 months. National kindergarten coverage with the two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine fell to 92.7 % in the 2023-24 school year, below the 95 % threshold needed to block community spread. The CDC is urging parents to ensure children are fully immunised and is working with local agencies to bolster vaccination campaigns in hard-hit regions.