Indiana has officially declared its measles outbreak over, marking a positive step in the nation’s fight against the disease. However, the total number of measles cases in the U.S. continues to rise slightly, with 1,046 confirmed cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of Friday — an increase of 22 from the previous week.
The latest numbers show a slowdown in the rate of new infections, offering some reassurance. Still, health officials remain alert, especially after potential exposure incidents at a busy Colorado airport and a Shakira concert in New Jersey, both of which could lead to new cases.
Texas Remains the Epicenter
Texas continues to report the largest outbreak, now totaling 729 cases. The outbreak, which began in late winter and extended through spring, also affected New Mexico and Oklahoma, where a total of three deaths have been reported — two elementary-aged children and one adult, all unvaccinated.
According to Dr. Manisha Patel, the CDC’s incident manager for measles, the outbreak in the Southwest appears to be “leveling off.” However, she warned that summer travel and ongoing global measles activity could still contribute to the spread.
Other Hotspots in North America
Elsewhere in North America, three large outbreaks are ongoing:
- Ontario, Canada: 1,795 cases as of May 20, up by 173 in one week
- Alberta, Canada: 538 total cases
- Chihuahua, Mexico: 1,578 cases and three reported deaths
Indiana’s Outbreak Declared Over
Indiana reported eight cases, all from Allen County in the northeastern part of the state. The local health department confirmed that there were no connections between these cases and other outbreaks, and no new cases have been seen since April 21. This allowed officials to officially declare the outbreak over.
Where Else Are Measles Cases Being Reported?
In addition to Texas and Indiana, the CDC lists active outbreaks (defined as three or more connected cases) in:
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
Other individual cases have been reported across Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
What to Know About Measles
Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases and spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It typically starts in the respiratory tract and moves through the body, causing:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
- Rash that starts on the face and spreads downward
The rash usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms, and fevers can spike as high as 104°F. While many children recover, complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and even death can occur — especially in unvaccinated individuals.
No Cure, But Vaccines Offer Protection
There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors focus on easing symptoms and preventing complications. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent infection, and public health officials continue urging families to stay up to date on their immunizations.
As summer travel heats up, staying vigilant and vaccinated remains key to keeping measles outbreaks under control in the U.S.
