Introduction to the Measles Outbreak
The measles outbreak continues to spread throughout the U.S., sparking discussions about how best to protect children and other high-risk groups from the disease.
While West Texas has been the focus of the largest outbreak — with reported cases exceeding 700 as of May 27 — the virus has also emerged in a number of other states.
Current Situation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,046 total cases across the U.S. in 2025 as of May 22. The first case was reported in January; in February, two additional family members contracted the virus.
State-by-State Breakdown
Below is a state-by-state rundown of where in the U.S. measles cases have been detected and the number of confirmed infections.
Alaska
The state recorded its first case of measles in an unvaccinated adult who traveled overseas in January 2025, according to the Alaska Department of Health. On May 22, the Anchorage Health Department confirmed another measles case in an unvaccinated minor and Municipality of Anchorage resident.
Arkansas
As of May 28, there have been seven confirmed measles cases in Arkansas. Six of these cases have been identified in Faulkner County and one in Saline County.
California
Eleven cases of measles have been confirmed in California as of May 26 in the jurisdictions of Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Riverside, San Mateo and Tuolumne.
Colorado
Five cases of measles were confirmed in Colorado as of May 27. The first case was in an unvaccinated adult in Pueblo, Colorado. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Pueblo Department of Public Health, the individual recently traveled from an infected area in Mexico.
Florida
Florida confirmed its first case of 2025 in a student at Miami Palmetto Senior High School in early March.
Georgia
Four measles cases have been confirmed in 2025 in Atlanta as of May 19. The first case was reported in January; in February, two additional family members contracted the virus.
Hawaii
Hawaii has confirmed two cases of measles in the same household, according to the Department of Health on April 17. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced on April 8 the state’s first measles case in an unvaccinated Oahu child.
Illinois
Illinois has confirmed 10 cases of measles in the state as of May 27. One case was identified in a Chicago adult who traveled internationally through Chicago O’Hare International Airport in April, sounding the alarm on potential measles exposure at the terminal.
Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health has confirmed eight cases of measles in the state as of May 23. All eight cases are in connection to each other. The initial outbreak included four unvaccinated minors and two adults with unclear vaccination statuses.
Kansas
A total of 58 measles cases have been confirmed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as of May 21 across 10 counties. Forty-six of these cases have occurred in children. 47 of the total cases were unvaccinated and two outbreak cases led to hospitalizations.
Kentucky
On Feb. 26, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced a confirmed case of measles, the first since February 2023. The adult had recently traveled internationally to an area with ongoing measles transmission, health officials said.
Louisiana
In April, the Louisiana Department of Health confirmed two measles cases in the state. The first case was in an unvaccinated individual most likely infected through international travel. The second patient’s vaccination status was unknown.
Maryland
Three measles c
