How to Avoid Measles as the Virus Spreads Around the US
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death. The virus is airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. It most commonly affects children.
Where Have Measles Cases Been Reported in the U.S.?
Besides Texas, which has had the most measles cases of any U.S. state this year, there are also nine cases in New Mexico. The state health department there has said there is no direct connection to the outbreak in Texas. Measles cases have also been reported in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. Three measles clusters have qualified as outbreaks in 2025, the agency said. In the U.S., cases and outbreaks are generally traced to someone who caught the disease abroad. It can then spread, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
What is Measles?
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by one of the world’s most contagious viruses. The virus is airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. It most commonly affects kids. "On average, one infected person may infect about 15 other people," said Scott Weaver, a center of excellence director for the international Global Virus Network. "There’s only a few viruses that even come close to that."
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. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.
Can Measles be Fatal?
It usually doesn’t kill people, but it can. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. But about 1 in 5 unvaccinated Americans who get measles are hospitalized, the CDC said. Pregnant women who haven’t gotten the vaccine may give birth prematurely or have a low-birthweight baby. Among children with measles, about 1 in every 20 develops pneumonia, the CDC said, and about one in every 1,000 suffers swelling of the brain called encephalitis – which can lead to convulsions, deafness, or intellectual disability. It’s deadly "in a little less than 1% of cases, mainly in children," said Weaver. "Children develop the most severe illness. The cause of death in these kinds of cases is usually pneumonia and complications from pneumonia."
How Can You Prevent Measles?
The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. "Before a vaccine was developed in the 1960s, everybody got" measles, Weaver said. "But then when the vaccine came along, that was a complete game-changer and one of the most successful vaccines in the history of medicine."
There is "great data" on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, he said, because it’s been around for decades. "Any of these outbreaks we’re seeing can easily be prevented by increasing the rate of vaccination in the community," he said. "If we can maintain 95% of people vaccinated, we’re not going to see this happening in the future. And we’ve slipped well below that level in many parts of the country."
Do You Need a Booster if You Got the MMR Vaccine a While Ago?
Health care professionals are sometimes tested for antibodies to measles and given boosters if necessary, Weaver said – even if they’ve already had the standard two doses as a child. He said people at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may also want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak. Those may include family members living with someone who has measles or those especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases because of underlying medical conditions. "But I don’t think everyone needs to go and run out to their doctor right now if they did receive two doses as a child," he said. "If people would just get the standard vaccination, none of this would be happening."
Conclusion
Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can lead to severe complications and death. The best way to avoid measles is to get the MMR vaccine, and to maintain a high vaccination rate in the community. If you’re concerned about measles, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best way to avoid measles?
- Get the MMR vaccine, and maintain a high vaccination rate in the community.
- Can measles be fatal?
- Yes, it can, although it usually doesn’t kill people. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea, and about 1 in 5 unvaccinated Americans who get measles are hospitalized.
- How can I prevent measles if I already had the MMR vaccine?
- If you received the standard two doses as a child, you may not need a booster. However, people at high risk for infection who got the shots many years ago may want to consider getting a booster if they live in an area with an outbreak.
- Can I get a booster if I’m concerned about measles?
- Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for you.
