In an alarming development, measles outbreaks are currently reported across one-fifth of the United States, nearing a count of 900 cases according to data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday. The latest figures indicate 884 confirmed cases of measles, tripling the total incidence from all of 2024. The most significant portion of these cases originates from an outbreak in Texas, which has continued for three months and has reached 663 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, also affecting New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Tragically, in West Texas, two unvaccinated children of elementary school age succumbed to measles-related complications, and an adult in New Mexico also passed away from a measles-linked illness. Among the states experiencing ongoing outbreaks—defined as having three or more cases—are Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
The measles situation extends beyond the U.S. borders, with two additional outbreaks in North America. One outbreak in Ontario, Canada, has amassed 1,020 cases between mid-October and Wednesday. Meanwhile, in Mexico’s Chihuahua state, 761 measles cases have been reported, along with a confirmed fatality, according to local official figures. The World Health Organization has noted a connection between the cases in Mexico and the Texas outbreak.
The measles virus is notoriously contagious, spreading through the air when an infected individual sneezes, coughs, or breathes. Fortunately, vaccination can prevent infections, and the disease was considered eradicated in the U.S. as of 2000. However, with the virus gaining traction in communities with low vaccination coverage, experts predict that it might persist for a year if not effectively contained. Understanding how measles outbreaks are currently unfolding across the U.S. is crucial.
In Texas and New Mexico, the spread is concerning. Texas health officials noted an increase of 17 new cases, summing up to 663 cases statewide, predominantly centralized in West Texas. This region has particularly been affected, seeing 23 new hospitalizations tied to the outbreak, totaling 87. An estimated 1% of these cases are currently infectious, focusing notably in Gaines County where 396 cases have been identified, equating to over 1.5% of the county’s population.
New Mexico reported an additional case, raising its total to 66, with outbreaks affecting mainly Lea County. Seven hospitalizations have occurred, with the outbreak genetically linked to the Texas cases. A resident recently died due to a measles-related illness in March. Meanwhile, Indiana has verified eight incidences of measles, mainly in Allen County, with cases unlinked to any other known outbreaks.
Kansas holds 37 reported cases spread across eight counties in the southwestern region, with Haskell, Stevens, and Kiowa among the hardest hit. Genetic testing links the first Kansas case back to the Texas outbreak. Similarly, Michigan has confirmed nine cases primarily in Montcalm County, connected to Canada’s Ontario outbreak, while Ohio confirmed 32 cases mainly in Ashtabula and Knox counties.
Oklahoma’s tally includes 12 confirmed cases and three probable, associated with the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, and Pennsylvania has reported eight cases in Erie County, associating its cases with international travels including Montgomery County and Philadelphia. Tennessee’s six measles cases reportedly cluster in the central region, although there is no direct link specified to other outbreaks.
On a national scale, the CDC reports 884 occurrences of measles in 2025. Additional states including Alaska, California, and New York also have documented cases, often attributed to individuals contracting the disease overseas. In response, the CDC stresses the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. It is recommended for children between 12 to 15 months and a follow-up vaccination between ages 4 to 6. Those possibly exposed to an ineffective “killed” virus vaccine pre-1968 should be re-vaccinated.
The disease poses a substantial public health risk particularly in under-vaccinated populations. Measles often begins in the respiratory tract before permeating the body, leading to high fevers, runny nose, red eyes, cough, and eventually a spreading rash. Children infected with the virus face serious risks including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. Unfortunately, there is no targeted treatment, and care generally focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing severe complications.