FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The U.S. is seeing the highest number of measles cases in decades.

“It’s more contagious than the flu,” said Dr. Jessica McFarland, an infectious disease doctor at UCSF Fresno. “It’s more contagious than COVID. If it does start to spread in our different communities, we will see increased hospitalization and deaths, especially within our pediatric population.”

CDC data shows that in 2025, the U.S. surpassed 2,000 measles cases.

RELATED: New map shows how to spot the measles risk level in your ZIP code

“If we lose our immunity as a community, as a whole, we will start seeing increased cases of measles,” said Dr. McFarland.

The trend is troubling for parents.

“It’s concerning, especially with new kids and babies, that it’s coming back,” said Dynise Omwanghe of Fresno.

It’s especially alarming for Candace Stone, whose son caught measles when he was just one.

“As a parent, you’re going through your head, like, ‘Where was I?'” said Stone. “I honestly don’t even know how he contracted that.”

ABC30 and ABC News are taking action to keep people protected and informed, launching a tool that allows you to see your measles risk simply by entering your zip code.

Action News took the tool out to the streets to show people how it works and pulled up the data for Fresno County, which was shaded in dark blue. We showed Stone what the numbers look like.

“That is very scary to me,” said Stone. “I honestly thought low, but it’s all dark blue.”

Last year, California saw 25 confirmed cases of the disease. Fresno and Tulare counties each confirmed two cases.

With cases circulating, the U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status, an achievement the country reached in 2000.

“If we unfortunately lose elimination status, we can get it back,” said Dr. McFarland. “It will require somewhat of a comprehensive effort as our nation, as a whole.”

To regain its status, the nation would need to focus on boosting vaccination rates, keeping a close eye on the spread of the disease and public health reform, which means adopting clear and consistent messaging.

“In public health, when there’s confusion in messaging, it’s not a good thing,” said Dr. Nancy Burke, the Chair of the Public Health program at UC Merced.

When taken in two doses, the MMR vaccine is shown to be 97% effective. California’s vaccination rate against measles remains above 95 percent among kindergartners.

“The vaccine is safe, it’s effective,” said Dr. McFarland. “It’s our best chance at keeping yourself, your family and your community protected.”

There is no cure or treatment for measles, which is why state health leaders continue to push for vaccination.

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