Surge in Measles Cases: Over 1,000 Reported Across 11 States

As of May 9, 2025, the United States has recorded a troubling total of 1,001 confirmed measles cases, with active outbreaks reported in 11 states. Texas remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for a staggering 709 of these cases. This surge comes despite a recent decline in new infections within the state, marking one of the lowest counts since the outbreak began three months ago.

The measles virus, known for its high contagion rate, can spread rapidly in communities with low vaccination levels. Tragically, the outbreak has already claimed lives, including two unvaccinated elementary school children in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico who succumbed to measles-related complications.

In addition to Texas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified active outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, each with three or more related cases. Alarmingly, North America is experiencing multiple outbreaks, with a notable one in Ontario, Canada, resulting in 1,440 cases since mid-October, and another in Chihuahua, Mexico, with 1,041 cases reported.

In Texas, health officials have confirmed a total of 709 cases spread across 29 counties, primarily concentrated in West Texas. The state reported only seven new cases since its last update, alongside one additional hospitalization, bringing the total to 92. Most cases originated from Gaines County, home to a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The outbreak there has led to an alarming 403 confirmed cases, which represents over 1.7% of the county's population.

The fatalities include an 8-year-old child who died of measles pulmonary failure, as well as another unvaccinated child aged 6 who passed away in February.

New Mexico reported four new cases, bringing its total to 71, with most cases located in Lea County. The state has witnessed seven hospitalizations since the outbreak began, including the death of an unvaccinated adult who did not seek medical attention.

Oklahoma and Kansas have also reported cases, with Oklahoma maintaining a total of 14 confirmed cases and Kansas documenting 48 across eight counties. Indiana has recorded eight cases, all within Allen County, while Michigan has confirmed nine, primarily linked to a smaller outbreak in Montcalm County.

Montana has reported three new cases in the past two weeks, totaling eight since the outbreak began in mid-April. North Dakota, which had not seen measles cases since 2011, has confirmed nine cases, all traced back to an unvaccinated child. Ohio has recorded 34 cases across two outbreaks, while Pennsylvania has confirmed 15 cases, including some related to international travel.

Tennessee has seen six cases, with local health officials indicating that at least three are interconnected. Other states, including Alaska, Arkansas, California, and Florida, have also reported measles cases, which are often traced back to international travel.

Measles can be effectively prevented through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which health officials recommend for children at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years. The CDC has noted a concerning trend of declining vaccination rates nationwide, exacerbated by parents opting out for personal or religious reasons.

Measles symptoms typically manifest as high fever, runny nose, cough, and a distinctive rash that appears days after initial symptoms. Complications from measles can be severe, including pneumonia, blindness, and even death.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles; medical care focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Public health experts urge communities to increase vaccination rates to curb the spread of this preventable disease.