US Reports Over 1,000 Cases of Measles Amid Multiple State Outbreaks

As of May 2025, the United States has recorded more than 1,000 cases of measles, with 11 states experiencing active outbreaks. The outbreak predominantly affects regions with lower vaccination rates, raising concerns among health officials about the potential for further spread. Texas remains the epicenter, accounting for the majority of cases, with additional infections reported in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and other states.

Kansas has identified eight new cases in recent weeks, while Texas reports a total of 717 cases across 32 counties, mainly concentrated in West Texas. The outbreak in Texas has resulted in at least one child death and 93 hospitalizations. A significant portion of cases, over 57%, are in Gaines County, linked to a close-knit Mennonite community with low vaccination uptake.

In New Mexico, the count remains steady at 71 cases, with several hospitalizations. Most cases are in Lea County, and one adult who was unvaccinated died from measles-related illness. Oklahoma reports 14 confirmed cases, while Kansas has 56 cases mainly in southwestern counties. Indiana and Michigan each have around eight confirmed cases, with Michigan’s outbreak connected to the Ontario situation.

Montana has reported three new cases, marking its first outbreak in 35 years, totaling eight cases. North Dakota has 11 cases, including some community transmissions involving unvaccinated individuals. Ohio has 34 cases, mainly in Ashtabula and Knox counties, with some cases linked to visitors.

Pennsylvania has 15 cases, including those related to travel, and Tennessee reports six cases with some clusters. Cases have also appeared sporadically in several other states across the country.

Measles is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus, which spreads through coughing, sneezing, or breathing. Despite being declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, recent declines in vaccination rates have facilitated its resurgence. The CDC recommends the MMR vaccine for children and adults to maintain herd immunity, which requires vaccination coverage of 95% or higher.

Symptoms typically start with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, followed by a distinctive rash appearing three to five days later. While most children recover, measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death. Currently, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent further outbreaks. The rise in cases underscores the need for maintaining high immunization rates to protect communities from this preventable disease.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-measles-cases-states-outbreaks-1.html