Measles cases are rising in the U.S. In 2025, over 250 cases have been reported, including two deaths. One of the victims was an unvaccinated child. The outbreak has spread across several states, and health officials are urging people to get vaccinated to stop the spread.
Measles Cases Rise Across the Country
What started as a small outbreak in west Texas and New Mexico has quickly spread to more than a dozen states. The virus has been confirmed in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington. A large number of those infected were not vaccinated.
Texas is the hardest-hit state, with 223 confirmed cases since late January. Among the infected, 29 people have been hospitalized, and more than half of those cases involve children under 17. Of the 223 cases, 80 people were unvaccinated, 138 had unknown vaccination status, and only five had received at least one dose of the vaccine.
In New Mexico, the number of cases has increased to 33. The state’s health department declared an outbreak after new cases spread from Lea County to Eddy County. Most of the infected people in New Mexico were not vaccinated, and at least one person needed hospital care.
Other states are also seeing their first cases of the year. Oklahoma confirmed two cases, while Vermont reported one in a school-aged child. California’s Los Angeles and Fresno counties have also confirmed their first cases of measles.
The Importance of Vaccination
Measles is a very contagious disease. It can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Health experts say vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers 97% lifetime protection after two doses and 93% protection after just one dose.
To keep communities safe, 95% of people must be vaccinated. But vaccine hesitancy is a growing problem. Some people are not getting vaccinated, which puts everyone at risk.
This week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known health official, made a false claim on Fox News. He said that the measles vaccine causes the same illnesses as the virus itself. This is incorrect. Studies show the vaccine’s side effects are mild compared to the serious risks of measles.
Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Impact
This measles outbreak shows what happens when vaccination rates drop. In 2000, the U.S. declared measles eliminated. This meant that the virus was not spreading widely in the country. But now, cases are rising again, mainly because fewer people are getting vaccinated.
Some parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children due to misinformation or fears about vaccine safety. As measles spreads, health experts are stressing the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent further cases and deaths.
Government Actions to Fight the Outbreak
The CDC has warned that more measles cases are likely in the coming weeks. Health officials are hopeful that vaccination can bring the situation under control, but they are concerned about the growing number of cases.
This week, the White House withdrew its nomination of Dave Weldon for CDC director. Weldon is a former Republican congressman and physician who has questioned vaccine safety in the past. His nomination caused concern among health experts. He was set to testify before the Senate health committee when the White House made the decision to withdraw his nomination.
As measles spreads, health officials continue to urge people to get vaccinated. They say vaccination is the most reliable way to protect against the virus. Officials are also reminding adults who have not had the MMR vaccine to get vaccinated.
What’s Next for the Measles Outbreak?
The measles outbreak in the U.S. is a serious problem. It highlights the dangers of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of widespread vaccination. Health officials are working hard to control the outbreak and prevent more cases. Vaccination remains the best defense against measles.
In the coming weeks, health officials will monitor the situation closely. They will continue to push for higher vaccination rates to prevent the virus from spreading even more. If more people get vaccinated, there is hope that the outbreak can be contained.
As the situation develops, health experts are urging everyone to follow the advice of health officials and ensure they and their families are vaccinated against measles. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from this dangerous virus.
