Introduction to Measles Outbreaks in the US
The U.S. surpassed 1,000 measles cases, with Texas posting one of its lowest counts of newly confirmed cases since its large outbreak began three months ago.
Texas still accounts for the vast majority of cases in the U.S., with 709 confirmed as of Friday in an outbreak that also spread measles to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children died from measles-related illnesses in the epicenter in West Texas, and an adult in New Mexico who was not vaccinated died of a measles-related illness.
Active Outbreaks Across the US
Other states with active outbreaks — which the CDC defines as three or more related cases — include Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. North America has two other ongoing outbreaks, all of which are the same measles strain. One outbreak in Ontario, Canada, has resulted in 1,440 cases from mid-October through May 6, up 197 cases in a week. And the Mexican state of Chihuahua had 1,041 measles cases and one death as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.
Understanding Measles
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000. As the virus takes hold in U.S. communities with low vaccination rates, health experts fear that spread could stretch on for a year.
State-by-State Breakdown of Measles Cases
Texas
There are a total of 709 cases across 29 counties, most of them in West Texas, state health officials said Friday. The state confirmed only seven more cases since its update Tuesday. The state also added one hospitalization to its count, for a total of 92 throughout the outbreak. State health officials estimated about 1% of cases — fewer than 10 — are actively infectious.
New Mexico
New Mexico added four cases Friday for 71 total. Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state’s cases are in Lea County. Three are in Eddy County, two in Doña Ana County, and one in Chaves County. Curry County logged its first case this week. An unvaccinated adult died of measles-related illness March 6.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma held steady with a total of 14 confirmed and three probable cases as of Friday. The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases, but Cleveland, Oklahoma, and Sequoyah counties have had public exposures in the past couple of months.
Kansas
Kansas has a total of 48 cases across eight counties in the southwestern part of the state, with one hospitalization. Most of the cases are in Gray, Haskell, and Stevens counties.
Indiana
Indiana has eight cases, all of them in Allen County in the northeast part of the state. The cases have no known link to other outbreaks, the Allen County Department of Health has said.
Michigan
Michigan has nine confirmed cases of measles, with an outbreak of four connected cases in Montcalm County in the western part of the state that state health officials say is tied to the Ontario outbreak.
Montana
Montana added three new measles cases in the last two weeks, bringing the total to eight. The state’s outbreak started in mid-April in southwestern Gallatin County — Montana’s first measles cases in 35 years.
North Dakota
North Dakota has nine cases of measles as of Tuesday. The state hadn’t seen measles since 2011, health officials said. All are in Williams County in western North Dakota on the Montana border.
Ohio
Ohio has 34 measles cases and one hospitalization, according to the Ohio Department of Health. That count includes only Ohio residents. The state has two outbreaks: Ashtabula County near Cleveland has 16 cases, and Knox County in east-central Ohio has 20 — 14 among Ohio residents and the rest among visitors.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 15 cases overall in 2025 as of Friday, including international travel-related cases in Montgomery County and one in Philadelphia. There were eight measles cases in Erie County in far northwest Pennsylvania in late April; the county declared an outbreak in mid-April.
Tennessee
Tennessee had six measles cases as of early May. Health department spokesman Bill Christian said all cases are in the middle part of the state, and that “at least three of these cases are linked to each other” but declined to specify further.
Other Areas with Measles Cases
Measles cases also have been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to someone who caught the disease abroad.
The MMR Vaccine
The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says.
Symptoms and Treatment of Measles
Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a rash. The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and keep patients comfortable.
Conclusion
The ongoing measles outbreaks across the US and North America highlight the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. With cases reported in multiple states and countries, it is crucial for individuals to ensure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations to protect themselves and their communities.
FAQs
- Q: What is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. - Q: How can measles be prevented?
A: The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. - Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: Symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a rash that spreads across the body. - Q: Can measles be treated?
A: There is no specific treatment for measles; treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. - Q: Why are measles outbreaks occurring in the US?
A: Outbreaks are often linked to low vaccination rates in communities and cases imported from abroad. - Q: How can I protect myself and my family from measles?
A: Ensure you and your family members are up to date on MMR vaccinations, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with individuals suspected of having measles.
