The United States has officially crossed the threshold of 1,000 measles cases in 2025, with outbreaks currently active in 11 states. Texas, by far, leads the country in confirmed infections as the highly contagious virus continues to spread in areas with low vaccination rates.
According to state and federal health officials, Texas alone has reported 717 confirmed cases spanning 32 counties. The majority of these are concentrated in Gaines County, a rural West Texas area with a significant Mennonite population where vaccination rates are low. That county has seen more than 400 cases since January — a staggering number for a population under 23,000.
Two unvaccinated elementary-aged children in West Texas have died from measles-related complications. Another death was reported in New Mexico — an unvaccinated adult who died without ever seeking medical treatment.
Where Else Is Measles Spreading?
Beyond Texas, the outbreak has reached New Mexico (71 cases), Oklahoma (14 confirmed, 3 probable), and Kansas (48 cases). These neighboring states are grappling with the virus’s spillover from the Texas epicenter.
Other states reporting active outbreaks — defined by the CDC as having three or more related cases — include Indiana, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Each of these states has seen varying levels of infection, with local officials urging residents to vaccinate and stay alert to symptoms.
Indiana has eight cases, all confined to Allen County. Michigan reported nine cases, with four linked to a Canadian outbreak in Ontario. Montana has eight recent cases, marking the state’s first outbreak in 35 years.
North Dakota has logged 11 cases — its first since 2011 — with infections spread across both eastern and western regions. Ohio reported 34 confirmed cases, including outbreaks in Ashtabula and Knox counties. Pennsylvania and Tennessee are also on alert, with 15 and 6 cases respectively.
The Role of Vaccination in Preventing Measles
Health officials emphasize that measles is preventable through the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The CDC recommends children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Adults concerned about waning immunity can safely get an additional MMR shot.
Communities with vaccination rates above 95% typically benefit from herd immunity, making it difficult for the virus to spread. However, in recent years, vaccination rates in many U.S. areas have declined. More parents are opting out of vaccines for religious or personal beliefs, putting entire communities — especially infants and immunocompromised individuals — at risk.
What Are the Symptoms and Risks?
Measles begins like a respiratory illness, with early symptoms including a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Within a few days, a rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading across the body. Fevers can spike to more than 104°F during this stage.
While many children recover, measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), blindness, and even death. With no specific antiviral treatment for measles, doctors can only manage symptoms and try to prevent complications.
A Growing Public Health Concern
The CDC warns that if measles continues to spread unchecked in undervaccinated communities, the outbreaks could last well into the year. In 2019, the U.S. recorded 1,274 measles cases and nearly lost its “elimination” status — a designation the country has held since 2000. If trends continue, 2025 may surpass that number.
To avoid further tragedy and restore public health safeguards, health experts urge everyone to check their vaccination status and take symptoms seriously. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against this resurgent virus.
