US Measles Cases Slightly Increase to 1,046 While Indiana Declares Outbreak Over

The United States has experienced a modest rise in measles cases this week, signaling that outbreaks may be slowing, although public health authorities remain vigilant due to exposures at a busy Colorado airport and a concert in New Jersey. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are now 1,046 confirmed measles cases nationwide, reflecting an increase of 22 cases from the previous week. Notably, Texas continues to bear the brunt of the outbreak, with 728 cases, most of which are concentrated in Gaines County, where the virus originated among an under-vaccinated Mennonite community.

The Texas outbreak has resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated children—an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old, with both deaths attributed to measles-related respiratory failure. Hospitalization numbers total 94 across the state. In New Mexico, five additional cases have been identified since May 15, bringing the total to 78. The majority of cases are in Lea County, with severe illness leading to seven hospitalizations and one adult death.

Oklahoma reports 14 confirmed cases, while Kansas has 58 cases across 10 counties, primarily in Gray County. Indiana’s outbreak, which garnered attention earlier this year, has now been declared over after no new cases have emerged since April 21. Michigan reports eight cases, including an outbreak in Montcalm County linked to the Ontario outbreak, while Montana has 10 cases, including the first in 35 years in Gallatin County.

North Dakota’s cases have risen to 19, with instances of transmission in schools. Ohio maintains a steady count at 34 cases, with outbreaks in Ashtabula and Knox counties. Pennsylvania reports a total of 15 cases, primarily in Montgomery County and Philadelphia, with a long-standing outbreak in Erie County remaining stable.

Tennessee has six cases, mostly linked geographically in the central region. Cases in other states such as Alaska, Arkansas, California, and many more continue to emerge, often traced to imported infections from abroad. The CDC emphasizes that high vaccination coverage—above 95%—is crucial for herd immunity, but vaccination rates have declined nationwide due to pandemic-related declines and increased personal exemption claims.

Measles is a highly contagious virus spreading through the air, causing symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that appears several days after initial symptoms. Severe complications can include pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death. While there is no specific treatment, vaccination remains the most effective prevention method, with the MMR vaccine recommended for children and adults at risk.

Health authorities urge vaccination to prevent further spread, especially during the ongoing travel season when global measles activity is high. Continued monitoring and vaccination efforts are vital to curb this resurgence of measles cases in the U.S.