Measles Outbreak Sweeps Across U.S., Surpassing 1,000 Cases in 2025

A significant resurgence of measles infections has gripped the United States in 2025, with confirmed cases exceeding 1,000 and the disease spreading to numerous states. This marks a concerning public health crisis, surpassing last year’s totals and raising alarms among health officials.

As of Friday, March 9th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the presence of measles in 30 states. Texas is currently the epicenter of the outbreak, grappling with the highest number of cases. The latest weekly CDC update reveals a total of 1,001 confirmed cases nationwide, with 14 distinct outbreaks, each defined as three or more related cases. A staggering 93% of the infections are associated with these outbreaks, indicating a rapid and widespread transmission of the virus.

The current figures have already surpassed the total number of measles infections reported in the entirety of last year. In 2024, the U.S. recorded 285 cases across 32 states, with 16 outbreaks and 69% of cases linked to these outbreaks. The significant increase in cases and outbreak-associated infections in 2025 underscores the severity of the current situation.

The data indicates that children and teenagers under the age of 20 are disproportionately affected by the current outbreak. Approximately 67% of the infections, representing 675 cases, have been reported in this age group. Furthermore, a striking 96% of the infections have occurred in individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. This highlights the critical role of vaccination in preventing measles and protecting vulnerable populations.

Tragically, the outbreak has already resulted in three confirmed measles-related deaths in 2025. Two of the deceased were children, and one was an adult. These deaths serve as a stark reminder of the potential severity of measles infections and the importance of effective prevention strategies.

The states reporting measles cases as of March 9 include Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, along with New York City, which is tracked separately by the CDC.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus. It primarily affects children and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body.

The measles virus is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known to exist. It is estimated that 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the virus will contract the disease. Moreover, approximately one in five people infected with measles require hospitalization due to the severity of the illness.

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective in preventing measles infections. It has a 97% efficacy rate after two doses and is typically administered to children as part of the routine immunization schedule. The first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose is given between the ages of 4 and 6 years.

Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms often include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A characteristic measles rash typically develops three to five days after the onset of the initial symptoms.

Other signs and symptoms of measles may include small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik’s spots), sensitivity to light, and generalized malaise.

The current measles outbreak represents a significant setback for public health in the United States. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning that there was no continuous transmission of the disease within the country. However, declining vaccination rates have led to a resurgence of measles and a loss of herd immunity in many communities. Herd immunity occurs when a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, which protects those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with certain medical conditions.

The last measles outbreak of a similar scale occurred in 2019, when 1,274 cases were confirmed across the country. However, the rapid increase in cases in 2025 suggests that this year’s outbreak could potentially surpass the 2019 figures and become the largest outbreak in 25 years.

Adding to the complexities of the situation, prominent figures have been disseminating misinformation regarding measles prevention and treatment. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for example, has encouraged the use of vitamin A for measles prevention, a recommendation that medical experts strongly disagree with. Experts warn that such claims are not supported by scientific evidence and can be harmful.

Despite claiming not to be anti-vaccine, Robert F Kennedy Jr has continually spread misinformation falsely linking vaccines to autism, created an anti-vaccine group, and advised parents to not vaccinate their children. While the current outbreak marked the first deaths in a decade, RFK Jr stated the increase in cases were "not unusual."

Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect against measles. They urge parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.