A sign outside Seminole Hospital District in Seminole, Texas, shows that measles testing is available, as seen on February 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
U.S. Sees Largest Measles Spike in Over 30 Years
Kentucky has reported its first measles outbreak of 2025 as the United States nears the highest annual case count seen in three decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 1,267 cases nationwide this year. In Texas, three more cases linked to a sprawling late-winter and spring outbreak were added this week.
Outbreaks in North America
Beyond the U.S., significant measles outbreaks continue in North America. Ontario, Canada, has reported 2,212 cases since mid-October, including a baby’s death on June 5 from congenital measles. Alberta has 1,169 cases. In Mexico’s Chihuahua state, there are 2,810 cases and eight deaths.
U.S. States with Measles Outbreaks
At least a dozen U.S. states now report active outbreaks—defined as three or more connected cases—including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Utah.
Deadly Toll and Unvaccinated Victims
In the U.S., two schoolchildren in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died this year. All three were unvaccinated.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads through sneezing, coughing or breathing. It was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but remains preventable by vaccination.
Texas Breakdown
- 753 confirmed cases across 36 counties.
- 99 hospitalizations, though fewer than 10 remain infectious now.
- The outbreak started in under‑vaccinated Mennonite communities in Gaines County, which accounts for 55% of cases—about 2% of its population.
- A total of 37 cases in 19 counties lack a direct link to the main outbreak.
- Two unvaccinated children (ages 6 and 8) died of measles-related complications this year.
New Mexico Update
- 94 cases statewide, including 13 infections linked to a jail in Luna County. All are unvaccinated adults.
- Seven hospitalizations; the outbreak is centred in Lea County, with isolated cases near Albuquerque.
- One unvaccinated adult died on March 6, not seeking medical care at the time.
Other State Outbreaks
- Oklahoma: 17 confirmed and 3 probable cases.
- Arizona: 4 cases in Navajo County among unvaccinated travellers.
- Colorado: 16 cases, including a 10-case cluster from a Turkish Airlines flight and airport exposure. Another unrelated case in Boulder involved a vaccinated traveller from Europe.
- Georgia: 3 linked cases near Atlanta, plus three from a separate outbreak.
- Illinois: 4-case cluster in southern region; two additional cases near Chicago.
- Iowa: 6 cases, including 4 in one household in Johnson County.
- Kansas: 83 cases across 11 counties, mostly in Gray County.
- Kentucky: 4 cases in Fayette and Woodford counties—totalling 7 cases this year.
- Michigan: 18 cases, including a 4-case outbreak in Grand Traverse County.
- Montana: 24 cases—most in Gallatin County—marking the state’s first outbreak in 35 years.
- North Dakota: 34 cases since June, all unvaccinated, with two hospitalizations.
- Utah: 9 cases with at least three separate clusters; includes two pregnant patients.
- Other states reporting scattered cases: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, and more.
How Measles Returns
Many outbreaks trace back to travellers bringing the virus into the U.S. More than twice as many imported cases have been reported this May compared to last year—mostly among unvaccinated Americans returning from overseas. In 2019, 1,274 U.S. cases nearly threatened the country’s elimination status.
Vaccine: Your Best Protection
The MMR vaccine—administered in childhood—remains the most effective defence. Two shots are recommended: one at 12–15 months, another at 4–6 years. Adults uncertain about immunity or vaccinated with older, less effective versions should get another dose. Proof of past infection or pre-1957 birth often counts as immunity.
High community vaccination rates (95%+) offer herd immunity. Unfortunately, pandemic-related declines and rising vaccine exemptions are weakening this protection.
Spotting Measles
Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes. A rash appears 3–5 days later, spreading from the face downward. Severe complications can follow: pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness—and sometimes death.
Managing the Illness
No specific treatment exists. Care focuses on easing symptoms, managing fever, preventing complications, and monitoring patients, especially high-risk individuals.
