In 2025, the US is facing its most serious measles resurgence in over two decades. As of mid‑June, approximately 1,197 confirmed cases have been reported across 34–35 states, with clusters spreading widely. To put this into context, measles was officially declared eliminated in the US in 2000. Find out how to protect yourself with MMR vaccination, proper hygiene, and isolation.
Key Affected States
- Texas: The epicentre with 744 cases and two child fatalities in West Texas. A large outbreak in Gaines County has contributed dramatically to the numbers.
- New Mexico: 81 cases and one death
- Kansas: Around 72–76 cases with severe consequences among young children.
- North Dakota: Significant per‑capita spike with 34 confirmed cases.
- Other states: Ohio, Montana, Oklahoma, Michigan, Illinois, Colorado, and Indiana are reporting dozens of cases, with some outbreaks officially declared over.
Three deaths have been confirmed (two school-aged children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico), all of whom were unvaccinated.
Also Read: How To Recognise Measles Rash: Signs And Key Characteristics
Causes Of The Outbreak
"The primary driver behind the outbreak is a decline in vaccination rates, particularly the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and disruptions to routine immunisations during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to this gap. Additionally, increased international travel from regions experiencing measles outbreaks has led to imported cases, which then spread rapidly among unvaccinated populations," said Dr Rituja Ugalmugle, Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central.
Waning Immunity and Hesitancy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles, while one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections can occur, especially during outbreaks, but are rare among fully vaccinated individuals. About 5% of infections are breakthrough cases, consistent with previous years."
Vaccination rates among school-age kids dropped from 95% in 2019 to 92% in 2023. In Texas, kindergarten vaccination rates are less than 95% in nearly half of the state's counties, and some areas report as low as 82%. The decline exposes many to measles since 97% of recent US cases were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine status. Just 3% of cases were among fully vaccinated individuals, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted surveillance and vaccination initiatives. The halt in immunisation services and the drop in vaccination rates worldwide have left millions of children at risk for preventable illnesses.
Also Read: Measles Vs Rubella: What Is The Difference Between These Viral Diseases
What Are The Risks?
"Measles is not a benign childhood illness, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), permanent hearing loss, and even death, especially in young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it extremely infectious," added Dr Ugalmugle.
Tips To Protect Yourself From Measles Infection
According to StatPearls, measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection characterised by symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, pink eye, and a distinctive rash. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and can survive in the air or on surfaces for several hours, making it easily transmissible.
- Vaccination: The two doses of MMR are usually administered at first around age 1 and the second in between 4-6. If not vaccinated, one can be vaccinated later. People born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968 will need to be revaccinated because previous vaccines had lower effectiveness.
- Isolate Yourself: Individuals with measles, and those who may be infected, should isolate themselves for four days until the rash resolves.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly to avoid the spreading of infection.
- Wear a Mask: Individuals infected with measles can prevent the spread of the virus by wearing a mask. Furthermore, close contacts and household members should also wear masks to avoid infection.
- Avoid Infection Sites: Measles cases often arise when travellers bring the virus back from other countries, potentially leading to local outbreaks through subsequent transmission.
- Don't Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing personal items, such as utensils, glasses, or toothbrushes, with individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.