Measles Outbreaks Surge Across Five U.S. States

28 Mar at 8:42 pm

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Measles Outbreaks Surge Across Five U.S. States \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Measles outbreaks have been confirmed in at least five U.S. states, with Texas reporting 400 cases — the highest nationwide. CDC officials say 2025 has already surpassed last year’s case count, raising concerns about the impact of declining vaccination rates.

U.S. Measles Outbreaks Grow: Quick Looks

Texas leads with 400 confirmed cases across 17 counties
Active outbreaks also in New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma
Two measles-related deaths reported in Texas and New Mexico
CDC says 2025 cases have already exceeded 2024 totals
Measles cases linked across states through genetic sequencing
Outbreaks tied to international travel and low vaccination communities
CDC urges MMR vaccinations, especially in high-risk areas

Deep Look

As of Friday, the U.S. is facing a significant surge in measles infections, with at least five states experiencing active outbreaks and Texas reporting the largest at 400 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that 2025 has already surpassed 2024’s total case count, fueling concerns among public health officials about the spread of this highly contagious disease in under-vaccinated communities.

The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases, and by that definition, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma are all experiencing outbreaks. Dozens of other states have also reported sporadic measles infections this year.

Texas: Epicenter of the Outbreak

Texas’ outbreak began approximately two months ago and has rapidly expanded. As of Friday, the state reported 73 new cases since Tuesday alone, bringing the total to 400 cases spread across 17 counties, primarily in West Texas. Forty-one people have been hospitalized, and Andrews and Midland counties were newly added to the outbreak list.

A school-aged child died in Texas from measles-related complications in late February, marking one of two reported measles-related deaths in the U.S. this year.

New Mexico and Regional Spread

In neighboring New Mexico, health officials announced one new case Friday, bringing the state’s total to 44, most of which are concentrated in Lea County. Two individuals have been hospitalized, and genetic testing has linked the New Mexico cases to Texas’ outbreak. A second U.S. measles death occurred in New Mexico — an adult who passed away in early March.

Kansas, Oklahoma, and Ohio Affected

Kansas has 23 cases across six southwestern counties, with most concentrated in Kiowa and Stevens. The state’s first case, reported March 13, was genetically connected to cases in Texas and New Mexico.
Oklahoma has nine cases — seven confirmed and two probable — with confirmed exposures in Tulsa and Rogers counties. Two early cases were tied to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.
Ohio reported 10 cases in Ashtabula County, nine of them confirmed this week. The first was in an unvaccinated adult who had contact with someone who traveled internationally.

Knox County in central Ohio is now tracking exposures after a contagious person visited the area.

Nationwide Cases and Geographic Spread

Outside these official outbreak zones, measles cases have been reported in 17 other states, including:

Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland
Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington

Most U.S. measles cases are still traced to international travel, with the virus then spreading in pockets of low vaccination coverage.

In 2019, the U.S. came dangerously close to losing its measles elimination status, with 1,274 cases reported. Health officials fear 2025 could see similar numbers.

Vaccine Questions: Do You Need a Booster?

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is the most effective way to prevent measles. The CDC recommends:

First dose at 12–15 months old
Second dose at 4–6 years old

Adults generally do not need a booster if they have:

Written documentation of two MMR doses
Lab-confirmed immunity
A birth year before 1957, when natural infection was widespread

However, at-risk individuals living in outbreak areas may consider a booster shot, especially those with underlying health conditions or immunocompromised family members. A lab test called an MMR titer can check immunity levels, though insurance coverage may vary.

The CDC says it’s harmless to get another MMR shot if someone is unsure about their immunity.

People vaccinated before 1968 with a “killed” measles vaccine — which was later found to be ineffective — should get at least one dose of a live MMR vaccine.

Measles Symptoms: What to Watch For

Measles symptoms often begin with:

High fever
Runny nose
Cough
Red, watery eyes

After 3–5 days, a distinctive rash appears, starting at the face and spreading downward. Fevers can spike to 104°F or higher at the height of the rash. Complications from measles include:

Pneumonia
Blindness
Brain swelling (encephalitis)
Death, especially in young children and adults with weak immune systems

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles — care is focused on symptom relief and avoiding complications.

Vaccination Rates and Herd Immunity

Experts continue to stress the importance of herd immunity, which requires at least 95% vaccination coverage to prevent widespread outbreaks. However, the CDC and independent studies have documented a decline in childhood vaccinations post-pandemic, as well as an increase in religious and personal belief exemptions.

“In communities where vaccination rates drop, diseases like measles find a way to resurface,” said Scott Weaver of the Global Virus Network. “And we’re seeing that play out right now.”

In 2024, a measles outbreak in Chicago infected more than 60 people. The current 2025 surge, especially in Texas, appears even more extensive.