The United States is grappling with an increase in measles cases, as the tally of confirmed infections in 2025 has significantly surpassed those recorded last year.
In 2000, the United States declared measles eliminated, yet the disease has reemerged in various areas, particularly in Texas.
According to the CDC, measles is often introduced by unvaccinated travelers who contract the virus overseas and then spread it within unvaccinated communities back home. Although those fully vaccinated can still catch measles, it remains a rare occurrence.
Parents are urged to ensure their children receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the initial dose between 12 and 15 months of age.
The second dose is recommended between the ages of four and six.
The last documented measles fatality in the United States was recorded in 2015.
Recently, an unvaccinated child in Texas became the first in a decade to die from the virus. Additionally, another child in Texas died earlier in April, and a third death in New Mexico is under investigation.
Measles is a highly infectious disease, transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include a red rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
Complications can arise, especially in children under five, leading to ear infections or diarrhea.
In severe cases, measles can result in pneumonia and encephalitis (brain swelling).
As of April 10, 2025, CDC data indicate that 712 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 25 jurisdictions in the United States.
These jurisdictions include states like Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky.
Other states with reported cases are Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
Among the 712 reported cases, 97% involve individuals who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.
One percent of the cases had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, while two percent had received both doses.
According to the CDC, 79 measles patients have been hospitalized, with 45 of them (20%) being under the age of five.
Twenty individuals (7%) are aged between five and 19, and 12 individuals (6%) are 20 years or older. The ages of two individuals remain untracked.
This year, two deaths have been confirmed due to measles, while another death is undergoing investigation.
In March, an unvaccinated child in Texas succumbed to the virus, and another death was recorded in Texas’ South Plains region.
A school-aged child in Lubbock, who tested positive for measles, was hospitalized and passed away in early April. The doctors attributed the cause to “measles pulmonary failure,” as reported by the CDC.
In Lea County, New Mexico, another death is being scrutinized, with NM Health confirming the patient posthumously tested positive for measles.
In 2024, the CDC reported 285 measles cases across the nation.
This year’s cases have already increased nearly 2.5 times compared to last year, even though it’s only four months into 2025.
Last year, 40% of the cases, which translates to 114 individuals, required hospitalization. The majority of these, 52% (or 62 individuals), were children under five.
No measles-related deaths were recorded last year.
If you suspect you have measles or have been in contact with someone who does, the CDC advises contacting your healthcare provider immediately.
It is recommended to isolate yourself to prevent transmitting the virus for four days following the appearance of the rash, which is when you are most contagious.