These are the most common and trending illnesses currently affecting the United States in 2025. If you’re looking to stay informed about the current health situation in the U.S., here’s a list of the rising health concerns the country is facing right now.
1. Measles 33-Year High
• The U.S. is experiencing its worst measles outbreak since 1992, with 1,288 confirmed cases in 2025 and 3 deaths all among unvaccinated individuals in Texas and New Mexico
• Outbreaks have spread across 38 states, primarily affecting pockets with low MMR vaccination rates. Public health officials are calling for urgent catch-up shots especially for children and travelers
• Why it matters: Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death .
2. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Cases have more than doubled in 2025, with around 8,485 reported double last year’s figure
• The resurgence stems from declining vaccination rates; multiple infant deaths have been reported in states like Louisiana, Washington, and Idaho
• It’s especially dangerous for infants. Health officials urge Tdap boosters for adults and pregnant individuals to protect newborns
3. Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
• The 2024–2025 flu season has been unusually severe:
• ~47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 27,000 deaths so far
• 260 pediatric flu-related deaths, the highest in a non-pandemic year since tracking began
• Despite low current respiratory illness activity, health experts caution the virus is still circulating
4. COVID‑19 – Rising in Half of States
• While national COVID activity remains classified as “low” overall, 25 states report growing trends, especially in the Southeast, Pacific Northwest, and West Coast
5. Candida auris (Drug‑Resistant Superbug)
• 10,788 U.S. cases confirmed, with nearly 1,800 in New York alone.
• This yeast infection is highly resistant to antifungals and has a 30–60% fatality rate in hospitalized patients
• The CDC labels it an “urgent threat”; hospitals are ramping up hygiene and isolation protocols
6. Dengue Fever – At-Risk Regions
• Rising cases, particularly in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands popular tourist spots—with 760,000+ cases across the Americas
• Though less common in the continental U.S. travelers are urged to take precautions in tropical climates
