Measles Outbreaks in the U.S. Exceed 700 Cases Across Six States

As of April 12, 2025, the number of reported measles cases in the United States has surpassed 700, with significant outbreaks occurring in six states. This increase has been particularly pronounced in Texas, which has recorded the highest number of cases at 541, including two fatalities among unvaccinated children.

The recent surge in measles cases comes as Indiana joins five other states experiencing active outbreaks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that the current number of cases is more than double that of the entire previous year, raising concerns among health officials.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated during a cabinet meeting that measles cases might be stabilizing nationally. However, the virus continues to spread primarily among unvaccinated populations, prompting the CDC to reassign a team to West Texas to address the outbreak.

The highly contagious nature of measles, which is spread through respiratory droplets, has alarmed health experts who fear the virus could infiltrate additional communities with low vaccination rates. The World Health Organization has indicated that cases in Mexico are linked to the outbreak in Texas.

In Texas, the outbreak has been ongoing since late January, with the latest report indicating an additional 36 new cases. A total of 56 individuals have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, with cases concentrated in Gaines County, where a close-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite community resides. This county has reported 355 cases, which amounts to over 1% of its population.

In New Mexico, health officials have confirmed 58 measles cases, all traced back to the Texas outbreak. The majority of these cases are located in Lea County, with additional cases in Eddy and Chaves Counties. The state reported its first measles-related death in an adult on March 6.

Kansas has identified 32 cases across eight counties, with the first case linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. In Oklahoma, the total number of cases has risen to 12, while Ohio has confirmed 20 cases, primarily affecting Ashtabula and Knox counties.

Indiana has reported six cases in Allen County, identified among unvaccinated minors and adults with unknown vaccination status.

Measles outbreaks have also been reported in states including Alaska, California, and Florida. The CDC defines an outbreak as occurring when three or more related cases are identified, and as of mid-April, there are seven recognized clusters in the U.S.

To prevent measles, vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is critical. The CDC recommends the first dose for children between 12 and 15 months, followed by a second dose at ages four to six. In light of the current outbreaks, individuals living in affected areas may consider booster shots if they are at high risk.

The symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash that develops several days after the onset of initial symptoms. While most children recover, measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential for community immunity. Recent trends show a decline in childhood vaccination rates, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in parents opting out of vaccinations for personal or religious reasons. The 2019 outbreak, which nearly jeopardized the U.S.'s measles elimination status, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in controlling this preventable disease.