The United States is currently facing a significant outbreak of measles with a total of 800 reported cases as of Friday. Recently, two more states have identified outbreaks, which has raised alarm among health officials.
Texas is leading the surge in cases with a troubling outbreak in West Texas that has been active for nearly three months, now totaling 597 cases. Tragically, this outbreak has resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children due to measles-related complications in Texas, as well as the death of an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico from the same illness.
Active outbreaks, defined as situations with three or more confirmed cases, have also been reported in states such as Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. Notably, the current number of measles cases in the U.S. has exceeded double the total cases recorded throughout all of 2024.
Measles is known for being a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air, especially when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. Vaccination is the most effective method of prevention, and since 2000, measles has been considered eliminated in the U.S.
Health experts have expressed concerns that the virus may begin to take hold in other U.S. communities, particularly those with low vaccination rates, warning that the spread could persist for an extended period, possibly up to a year.
Looking north, Canada has also been experiencing a large outbreak, with 925 reported cases in Ontario from mid-October through April 16. Additionally, outbreaks in Mexico have been linked to the situation in Texas, with Chihuahua state reporting 433 cases as of April 18, according to the Mexican state health ministry.
In order to comprehend the ongoing incidents better, let’s take a closer look at the situation in Texas and New Mexico.
As of Friday, Texas health officials reported 36 new cases since Tuesday, which has raised the cumulative case count to 597 across 25 counties, particularly concentrated in West Texas. The outbreak has now seen 62 individuals require hospitalization, with four additional hospitalizations reported this week.
Notably, the outbreak began in Gaines County among a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community, where approximately 62% of Texas’ total measles cases have been recorded, equating to 371 cases since late January. This population represents just over 1% of the county’s residents, showcasing the severe impact of low vaccination rates in localized communities.
The deaths in Texas have intensified concerns. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed that one of the deceased children was an 8-year-old, who succumbed to what was described as measles pulmonary failure, while another unvaccinated child, aged 6, died in late February.
In New Mexico, five new cases were reported this week, bringing the state’s total to 63. Hospitalizations in New Mexico increased to six, with most of these cases concentrated in Lea County, along with additional cases in Eddy County and single cases in Chaves and Doña Ana counties.
Genetic testing has linked these New Mexico cases back to the outbreak in Texas. The state previously reported its first measles-related death, an adult, on March 6.
Now, let’s delve into details about cases reported in Kansas.
Kansas has identified a total of 37 measles cases spread across eight counties, with health officials announcing their findings on Wednesday. The outbreaks are primarily located in southwest Kansas, with Haskell County reporting the highest number at eight cases, followed by Stevens County with seven, and various other counties with fewer than five cases each.
The state’s first case traced back to Stevens County on March 13, which is genetically linked to the outbreaks emerging in Texas and New Mexico, according to the state health department.
In Oklahoma, the situation remains relatively stable with a total of 12 cases reported as of Friday, comprising nine confirmed cases and three that are considered probable. The first two probable cases have been associated with the outbreaks originating from West Texas and New Mexico.
Health officials confirmed exposures in Oklahoma City and several counties but have not specified which counties have reported cases. Meanwhile, Ohio’s health department confirmed 30 cases of measles statewide on Thursday, only counting cases involving Ohio residents.
Most of the Ohio cases can be found in Ashtabula County, with an outbreak commencing from an unvaccinated adult who interacted with an international traveler. Knox County has also reported a significant number of cases, which includes residents from other states.
In Indiana, there are six confirmed cases from Allen County, including four unvaccinated minors and two adults with unknown vaccination status. The Indiana health department announced on April 9 that these cases have no known links to other ongoing outbreaks.
Moving to Pennsylvania, Erie County health officials declared an outbreak after identifying two new cases linked to the confirmed case from March 30. In total, Pennsylvania has reported nine cases this year, six of which are unrelated to the current outbreak.
In Michigan, three measles cases have been confirmed in Montcalm County, linked to a sizable outbreak in Ontario. The state has a total of seven confirmed cases, with the remaining cases not tied to Montcalm County’s outbreak.
Apart from these specific areas, measles cases have also been identified in states across the U.S., including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that the overall total stands at 800 cases in 2025, spanning 10 different clusters defined as three or more related cases.
Concerns about measles being traced back to international cases are prominent, as outbreaks in the U.S. often start from individuals who contract the disease outside of the country. In 2019, the U.S. witnessed 1,274 cases and faced the danger of losing its status of measles elimination.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months, with a booster shot recommended between ages four and six. The CDC states that receiving an additional MMR shot is harmless for individuals concerned about declining immunity.
Nevertheless, childhood vaccination rates have experienced a decline nationwide, which can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in parents opting for religious or personal waiver exemptions. As a result, the U.S. observed rising measles cases in 2024, including a significant outbreak in Chicago affecting over 60 people.
Measles symptoms typically present themselves as an infection of the respiratory system, quickly generalizing throughout the body. Initial symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that usually manifests three to five days after the initial symptoms appear.
The rash starts as flat red spots on the face, gradually spreading downwards to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Upon the appearance of the rash, fever levels can spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit in some cases.
Although most children recover from measles, the illness can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles; medical professionals mainly aim to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and ensure patient comfort during recovery.
In conclusion, the ongoing measles outbreak highlights the pressing need for proactive vaccination measures. Health authorities recommend maintaining high vaccination rates to help establish herd immunity and protect vulnerable populations from future outbreaks.
image source from：https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/measles-outbreak-grows-texas-kansas-indiana-pennsylvania-ohio/3820765/
