End of Measles Outbreaks in Illinois and North Dakota

Health officials in Illinois and North Dakota have declared the conclusion of their respective measles outbreaks. These developments come amid a significant slowdown in measles transmission across the United States during what has been described as the most challenging year for vaccine-preventable diseases since 1991. As of July 16, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 1,309 measles cases this year, with 21 new cases recorded in just the past week. This total surpasses the number of cases reported in 2019, a year when the U.S. nearly lost its status of measles elimination.

The majority of cases have originated from outbreaks in Texas, which saw a major surge during winter and spring, and other active regions including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and several Midwestern states. Notably, three individuals have died from the disease this year—two children in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico—all of whom were unvaccinated.

North American-wide, large measles outbreaks continue, notably in Ontario, Canada, with over 2,244 cases and a death linked to congenital measles in a baby with preexisting conditions. In Mexico, the state of Chihuahua reports over 3,100 cases and eight deaths.

In Texas alone, there have been 762 confirmed measles cases, primarily in West Texas, with more than half in Gaines County, where an undervaccinated Mennonite community has been heavily affected. The outbreak resulted in nine hospitalizations and the death of an unvaccinated child in April, who died from measles pulmonary failure.

New Mexico reports 95 cases, mostly in Lea County, with some linked to a jail outbreak in Luna County. An adult who did not seek care also succumbed to the disease. Oklahoma maintains steady totals of 17 cases, while Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, and other states have reported varying cases, some linked to recent international travel or specific outbreaks.

The primary prevention method remains vaccination, specifically the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Experts emphasize that high vaccination coverage (above 95%) is crucial to maintaining herd immunity and preventing outbreaks. Despite this, vaccination rates have declined nationwide, partly due to pandemic-related setbacks and increased exemptions.

Measles initially infects the respiratory system before spreading, causing symptoms like high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. The disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment; management focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.

Sources: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-measles-outbreaks-illinois-north-dakota.html