Article Summary –
The recent measles outbreak in the U.S., primarily centered in Texas and New Mexico, has resulted in over 700 cases and multiple deaths, with the virus spreading to several states, including Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, and Oklahoma, linked to regions with low vaccination rates. Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus preventable by vaccination, poses significant risks, especially in communities with declining vaccination rates, which health officials fear could lead to prolonged outbreaks. Despite measles being declared eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, the increasing number of cases highlights the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to achieve herd immunity and prevent the spread of such preventable diseases.
Kansas health officials confirmed five new measles cases in the state’s southwest corner, linked to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
U.S. measles cases exceeded 700 recently, with Indiana joining five other states with active outbreaks. Despite ongoing spread, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed in a Cabinet meeting that cases were plateauing. The U.S. has seen more than double the previous year’s cases.
Texas sees the most cases. Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children died from measles-related illnesses in rural West Texas. An adult in New Mexico, also unvaccinated, died from related complications.
Active outbreaks are in Indiana, Oklahoma, and Ohio, defined by three or more cases. Health experts fear the virus will persist in U.S. communities with low vaccine rates, possibly lasting a year. The World Health Organization linked Mexico cases to the Texas outbreak.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, spreads easily through air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. It is preventable via vaccines and was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000.
Here’s what else to know about measles in the U.S.
How many measles cases are there in Texas and New Mexico?
The Texas outbreak began in late January, with 20 new cases since Friday, totaling 561. The majority are in West Texas. Two more Texans were hospitalized, totaling 58, and Reeves County logged its first case.
About 4% of Texas cases are actively infectious. Gaines County, population 22,892, reported 364 cases, mainly in an undervaccinated Mennonite community—over 1% of its residents.
An 8-year-old Texas child died from measles pulmonary failure, said Kennedy. Another child, aged 6, died in February.
New Mexico confirmed five new cases, totaling 63. Hospitalizations increased to five. Most cases are in Lea County, with others in Eddy and Chaves counties. Genetic testing linked cases to the Texas outbreak. A measles-related adult death occurred on March 6.
How many cases are there in Kansas?
Kansas reported 37 cases in eight southwestern counties. Haskell County recorded eight, Stevens County seven, and Kiowa County six. The first case in Stevens County, identified on March 13, is genetically linked to Texas and New Mexico, although the exposure source remains unknown.
How many cases are there in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma reported 12 cases: nine confirmed and three probable, linked to West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. Public measles exposures occurred in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Rogers, and Custer counties.
How many cases are there in Ohio?
Knox County reported 20 cases, seven from outside Ohio. The state confirmed 20 cases last week: 11 in Ashtabula, seven in Knox, and one each in Allen and Holmes counties. The Ashtabula outbreak stemmed from an unvaccinated adult’s international contact.
How many cases are there in Indiana?
Indiana confirmed six cases in Allen County: four unvaccinated minors and two adults with unknown vaccination status. The cases are unlinked to other outbreaks, with the first confirmed on Monday.
Where else is measles showing up in the U.S.?
Measles cases have emerged in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. The CDC defines an outbreak as three related cases and reported seven potential outbreaks by 2025.
In the U.S., cases often originate from individuals infected abroad, spreading in low-vaccine communities. In 2019, 1,274 cases nearly lost the U.S. its measles-free status. As of 2025, 712 cases have been reported.
Do you need an MMR booster?
The MMR vaccine prevents measles. Children should receive the first shot between 12-15 months and the second between 4-6 years. High-risk individuals in outbreak areas might consider a booster, especially if living with an infected person or having health conditions.
Generally, adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” don’t need additional shots, according to the CDC. This includes previous adequate vaccination, lab-confirmed infection, or birth before 1957. Doctors can order an MMR titer test but it’s not always recommended or covered by insurance. Additional MMR shots pose no harm if immunity concerns arise.
Those vaccinated with a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need revaccination. However, those who received an ineffective “killed” virus vaccine before 1968 should get at least one live dose.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles initially affects the respiratory tract, leading to high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and rash. The rash, appearing 3-5 days post-symptoms, starts on the face, spreading downwards. Fever may surpass 104°F, per CDC. Though most recover, complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death can occur.
How can you treat measles?
There’s no specific measles treatment. Doctors focus on symptom relief, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort.
Why do vaccination rates matter?
High vaccination rates (above 95%) hinder diseases like measles from spreading, a concept known as “herd immunity.” However, childhood vaccination rates dropped during the pandemic, with more parents claiming waivers. In 2024, measles cases rose, including a Chicago outbreak of over 60 cases.
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