Significant Rise in Measles Cases in the U.S. This Year

As of early April 2025, the United States has reported over double the number of measles cases compared to all of 2024, indicating a concerning resurgence of this highly contagious virus. Particularly alarming is the situation in Texas, which has witnessed a substantial increase in both cases and hospitalizations.

Several states, including New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma, are currently grappling with active outbreaks defined as three or more related cases. Measles has been spreading predominantly in communities with low vaccination rates. Tragically, two unvaccinated individuals have died as a result of measles-related complications since February. This multi-state outbreak has raised alarms among health experts, who fear that the virus could spread further into communities with similar vaccination challenges, potentially prolonging the outbreak for an extended period. The World Health Organization recently noted a connection between the rise in cases in Mexico and the outbreak in Texas.

Measles is transmitted through the air and can spread easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It is preventable via vaccination and was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

Current Situation in Texas and New Mexico

The measles outbreak in Texas has been ongoing for over two months. State health officials reported an additional 59 cases in just a few days, bringing the total number of cases to 481 across 19 counties, with the majority concentrated in West Texas. The outbreak is particularly severe in Gaines County, which has recorded 315 cases, representing over 1% of the county's population. This surge began in a close-knit Mennonite community with low vaccination coverage.

New Mexico has also seen a rise in cases, with six new infections reported recently, for a total of 54. Health officials have confirmed that these cases are genetically linked to the outbreak in Texas, primarily affecting Lea County, where two individuals have been hospitalized.

Outbreaks in Other States

Kansas has reported 24 cases across six counties in the southwestern region, with the first case linked to the ongoing outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Meanwhile, Oklahoma's case count remains steady, with eight confirmed and two probable cases linked to these outbreaks.

In Ohio, one new measles case was reported recently, adding to a total that has seen 10 cases in Ashtabula County, with the initial case traced back to an unvaccinated adult who had contact with an international traveler. In Knox County, officials reported additional cases among international visitors, which are not included in the state's official count.

Measles cases have also been documented in various states including Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an outbreak as three or more related cases and has identified six clusters qualifying as outbreaks in 2025, with a total of 607 cases reported thus far.

Vaccination Recommendations

The best preventive measure against measles is vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is recommended that children receive the first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Those at higher risk who received their vaccinations many years ago may consider a booster shot, especially if they reside in outbreak-affected areas.

Adults who have documented immunity generally do not require additional vaccinations, although those who were vaccinated before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine should consider revaccination. Symptoms of measles typically include high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a rash that appears several days after initial symptoms. Severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and death can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Impact of Vaccination Rates

High vaccination rates, typically above 95%, are crucial to preventing the spread of diseases like measles through herd immunity. However, there has been a notable decline in childhood vaccination rates nationally since the pandemic, with an increase in parents seeking exemptions for personal or religious reasons. This trend poses significant risks as the U.S. experiences a resurgence of measles cases, including notable outbreaks in recent years.