Measles Outbreak Spreads Across the U.S.: A State-by-State Breakdown

The United States is currently grappling with a multi-state measles outbreak, raising concerns among health officials and sparking renewed debates about vaccination rates and public health strategies. The outbreak, which began in late January, has seen a significant concentration of cases in West Texas, but the highly contagious virus has now been detected in numerous other states, highlighting the potential for widespread transmission.

This article provides a comprehensive state-by-state rundown of measles cases reported across the country, drawing upon information from state health departments and news reports. We will continue to update this list as new data becomes available, providing a real-time snapshot of the evolving situation.

State-by-State Case Breakdown:

Alaska:

Alaska reported its first measles case of 2025 in January. The case involved an unvaccinated adult who had recently traveled overseas, according to the Alaska Department of Health. This single case highlights the vulnerability of unvaccinated individuals to imported measles infections.

California:

As of March 11, California had confirmed five measles cases. The state’s relatively large population and status as a major travel hub mean that vigilance is crucial to prevent further spread.

Georgia:

Georgia has confirmed a total of three measles cases in 2025, all within the Atlanta metropolitan area. The initial case was reported in January, followed by two additional cases in February among family members of the first patient. This localized cluster underscores the importance of containing outbreaks at the community level.

Kentucky:

On February 26, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced a confirmed case of measles, marking the state’s first case since February 2023. The affected individual had recently traveled internationally to an area with ongoing measles transmission, further emphasizing the role of international travel in introducing the virus into previously unaffected regions.

Maryland:

The Maryland Department of Health and Howard County Health Department reported a confirmed case of measles on March 9. Like other cases, the individual had recently traveled internationally. This case again spotlights the risk of imported measles infections, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.

New Jersey:

As of March 7, New Jersey had reported a total of three measles cases this year. The state health department has emphasized that there is no ongoing community transmission of measles in New Jersey at this time, indicating successful containment efforts.

New Mexico:

As of March 11, New Mexico has reported 33 cases of measles. A staggering 32 of those cases have been in Lea County, with the remaining one in Eddy County. There has been one reported death of an unvaccinated adult who didn’t seek medical help. This cluster has been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak for some time.

New York:

New York has reported a total of three measles cases. Two of these cases are located in New York City, while the third case occurred in New York State outside the city. The presence of cases in both the city and state underscores the importance of monitoring the virus across diverse geographic areas.

Oklahoma:

Two cases of measles were reported in Oklahoma on March 11. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the individuals with symptoms reported having exposures associated with the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. This case shows how important tracing contacts is for managing the outbreak.

Pennsylvania:

As of March 7, one case of measles has been confirmed in Pennsylvania. The patient was an unvaccinated child from Montgomery County, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Rhode Island:

Rhode Island confirmed one case of measles in January 2025, marking the state’s first case since 2013. The patient was a young, unvaccinated child with a recent history of international travel.

Texas:

Texas has been the hardest hit by the current outbreak. As of March 11, a total of 223 cases have been identified since late January, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The majority of cases have been reported in Gaines County. Twenty-nine of the patients have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported.

Vermont:

Vermont confirmed its first case of measles in 2025 on March 11. The patient was a school-aged child who recently traveled internationally, according to the Vermont Department of Health.

Washington:

Washington reported its first measles case of the year on February 27. The case affected an infant in King County.

The Contagious Nature of Measles and the Importance of Vaccination:

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread rapidly among unvaccinated individuals. According to Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel, there is a 90% chance you will contract measles if you are unvaccinated and enter a room where someone with measles was present even two hours prior.

The vast majority of cases in the current outbreak have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, primarily school-aged children. Public health experts emphasize that the best way to prevent measles is to receive the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and various experts recommend the MMR vaccine as a safe and effective means of preventing measles infection.

Dr. Siegel has previously suggested that high exemption rates for childhood vaccines, which are now under 85% compliance, are contributing to the current outbreak. Achieving and maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial for protecting individuals and communities from measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Promoting Public Health:

The measles outbreak underscores the ongoing need to address vaccine hesitancy and promote evidence-based information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Public health campaigns, community outreach efforts, and open communication between healthcare providers and patients are essential for building trust and increasing vaccination rates.

The current outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high levels of population immunity to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases. By working together to promote vaccination and implement effective public health strategies, we can protect our communities from the threat of measles and other infectious diseases.