Measles Outbreak Escalates Across the United States: New Cases Emerge in Oklahoma, Vermont, and Maryland
The United States is grappling with an escalating measles outbreak, with health officials reporting new cases in Oklahoma, Vermont, and Maryland, bringing the total number of affected states to at least 15. These recent developments highlight the continued spread of this highly contagious infectious disease and underscore the importance of vaccination efforts to curb its transmission.
Oklahoma health officials reported two probable cases of measles on Tuesday, linking them to the ongoing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The individuals are experiencing symptoms consistent with measles and had potential exposure through travel or contact with individuals from the affected states. While the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) did not disclose the age or location of the individuals, they assured the public that there is currently no significant public health threat associated with these cases. The individuals took appropriate precautions by isolating themselves from public settings during their contagious period.
Kendra Dougherty, OSDH Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Response, emphasized the importance of awareness regarding measles activity, especially among travelers and those hosting visitors. She advised individuals who may have been exposed to measles and lack immunity to self-isolate to prevent further transmission within the community.
Meanwhile, in Vermont, health officials confirmed the state’s first measles case of 2025 on Monday night. A child in Lamoille County contracted the virus following a trip abroad with family. The child is currently isolated from most community settings, and health officials believe the public risk remains low. The child received an evaluation at Copley Hospital in Morrisville, and the hospital has contacted individuals who visited the emergency department during the exposure period.
Prior to these new cases, 12 states had already reported measles cases this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of March 6, Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington had confirmed cases. The CDC updates its measles data every Friday.
In addition to the cases in Oklahoma and Vermont, Maryland reported a new measles case on Monday, bringing the total number of states with confirmed infections to 15. However, local health departments are reporting cases at a faster pace than the CDC, suggesting that the actual number of affected states may be higher.
The ongoing outbreak in Texas is particularly concerning, with the Texas Department of State Health Services reporting 223 confirmed cases and 29 hospitalizations. Tragically, an unvaccinated, school-aged child in Texas died from the virus. New Mexico has also been significantly affected, with 33 confirmed cases, primarily in Lea County, which borders Texas. One person in New Mexico has been hospitalized, and one person has died.
Maryland health officials identified a case of measles in a state resident who recently traveled internationally. The case is not linked to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
In response to the escalating outbreak, the CDC is urging travelers to ensure they are vaccinated against measles, especially as spring and summer travel seasons approach. The agency advises healthcare providers to be vigilant for cases of febrile rash illness that meet the measles case definition and to share effective measles prevention strategies, including vaccination guidance for international travelers.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease caused by a virus that primarily affects children. The virus infects the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body. According to CDC data, one in five unvaccinated people who contract the virus require hospitalization.
The measles virus spreads through contact with infected nasal or throat secretions or by breathing in the virus after it is coughed, sneezed, or released into the air by an infected person. The virus can remain contagious in the air or on contaminated surfaces for up to two hours.
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. A characteristic measles rash appears three to five days after the onset of the first symptoms.
Other signs and symptoms of measles include:
- Koplik spots, tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
- High fever (when the rash appears, a person’s fever may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Cough.
- Runny nose and sneezing.
- Red, watery eyes.
- Loss of appetite, diarrhea.
- Reddish-brown rash that can spread across the entire body.
- Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots (the spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body).
The current measles outbreak underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this potentially deadly disease. Public health officials are urging individuals to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations, especially before traveling or interacting with large groups of people. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective in preventing measles infection. Widespread vaccination is essential to achieving herd immunity and protecting vulnerable populations, such as infants and individuals with compromised immune systems, who cannot be vaccinated. The rising number of cases across the country should serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of adhering to recommended vaccination schedules to safeguard public health.
