Written by DEVI SHASTRI, AP Health Writer
As of Friday, the number of measles cases in the U.S. has surpassed 700. This week saw Indiana joining five other states with active outbreaks, Texas reporting an additional 60 cases, and the disclosure of a third measles-related death.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated in a televised Cabinet meeting that while measles cases were plateauing nationally, the virus continued to spread predominantly among unvaccinated individuals. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even redeployed a team to West Texas to address the situation.
The U.S. has now seen more than double the number of measles cases reported in all of 2024, with Texas accounting for the majority of cases at 541.
Among Texas’ cases were two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children who tragically succumbed to measles-related illnesses near the epicenter of the outbreak in rural West Texas. Additionally, an adult in New Mexico, who was not vaccinated, also passed away.
Other states experiencing active outbreaks include New Mexico, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Health experts are concerned about the virus spreading to communities with low vaccination rates, potentially leading to a year-long stretch of outbreaks. The World Health Organization has linked cases in Mexico to the outbreak in Texas.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, can be prevented through vaccination and was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
For more information on the measles situation in the U.S., visit this link.
Measles Cases in Texas and New Mexico
Texas has reported a total of 541 measles cases across 22 counties, with most cases concentrated in West Texas. The state has seen 56 hospitalizations due to the outbreak, and around 5% of confirmed cases are actively infectious.
In Gaines County, Texas, which has a population of 22,892, 65% of the cases have been reported. The outbreak began in a close-knit Mennonite community with low vaccination rates. Tragically, an 8-year-old child in Texas recently passed away from measles, adding to the severity of the situation.
New Mexico has confirmed a total of 58 cases, with the majority linked to the Texas outbreak through genetic testing. Most cases are in Lea County, with hospitalizations reported in Lea, Eddy, and Chaves counties. New Mexico recorded its first measles-related death in an adult on March 6.
Measles Cases in Kansas
Kansas has reported 32 cases in eight counties in the southwest region of the state. The outbreak is linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks based on genetic testing. Health officials are working to determine the source of exposure in the initial case reported in Stevens County.
Measles Cases in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a total of 12 measles cases, with the first two probable cases associated with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. Measles exposures have been confirmed in Tulsa and Rogers counties.
Measles Cases in Ohio
Ohio has confirmed 20 measles cases, with the majority in Ashtabula County near Cleveland. The outbreak in Knox County has infected a total of 14 people, though not all are Ohio residents. Ohio is closely monitoring the situation to prevent further spread.
Measles Cases in Indiana
Indiana has confirmed six linked cases of measles in Allen County, with four unvaccinated minors and two adults of unknown vaccination status. These cases are not connected to other outbreaks, highlighting the challenge of containing the virus.
Measles Across the U.S.
Measles cases have been reported in various states, including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified multiple clusters that qualify as outbreaks in 2025.
International travel plays a significant role in the spread of measles within the U.S., particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. The CDC has reported 712 cases so far in 2025, underscoring the ongoing challenge of measles prevention.
MMR Vaccine and Booster
Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way to protect against measles. Children should receive the first shot between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between 4 and 6 years. High-risk individuals may consider a booster if residing in outbreak-affected areas.
Adults with immunity evidence generally do not require additional measles shots. However, those with concerns about waning immunity can opt for a booster, which is considered safe by the CDC.
Individuals vaccinated with a live measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need revaccination. However, those immunized before 1968 with an ineffective measles vaccine should receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
Symptoms and Treatment
Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. While most cases resolve on their own, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling.
There is no specific treatment for measles, so doctors focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications to ensure patient comfort.
Importance of Vaccination Rates
High vaccination rates create herd immunity, making it difficult for diseases like measles to spread within communities. However, declining childhood vaccination rates and exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs pose a challenge to public health.
Following a rise in measles cases in 2024, including outbreaks in Chicago, health authorities are emphasizing the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread of the virus.
AP Science Writer Laura Ungar contributed to this report.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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