In 2025, one of the world’s most contagious viruses, measles, is spreading rapidly across the United States, leading to significant health concerns. As of now, there have been three distinct measles outbreaks across the country, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed at least 164 cases, with reports coming in from nine states.
Outbreaks Across the U.S. The largest and most concerning outbreak is taking place in West Texas, where the number of measles cases rose to 146 by Friday. Sadly, the region also reported the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015, which involved an unvaccinated child. The child’s death has raised alarms among health officials and underscored the dangers of the virus, especially for those who are not vaccinated.
However, the situation is not limited to Texas alone. The CDC has also confirmed measles cases in eight other states: New Mexico, Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. In Lea County, New Mexico, at least nine cases have been reported. These outbreaks highlight the widespread nature of the virus and the need for stronger vaccination efforts across the country.
The Spread of Measles Measles is an airborne virus, meaning it spreads very easily. It is transmitted when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs, releasing droplets into the air that can be inhaled by others. According to Scott Weaver, a director at the Global Virus Network, an infected person can potentially spread the virus to around 15 others. This makes measles one of the most contagious viruses known to science.
Once the virus enters the body, it begins in the respiratory tract and spreads throughout the body. Early symptoms of measles include a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a distinctive red rash that usually begins on the face and spreads. Although measles is not usually fatal, it can lead to serious complications, especially for children.
Among children who contract measles, about 1 in every 20 will develop pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, around 1 in 1,000 children with measles will suffer from encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can lead to seizures, deafness, and intellectual disabilities.
Prevention: The Power of Vaccination The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing the virus. Health experts recommend that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. The MMR vaccine has been one of the most successful in the history of medicine, drastically reducing the number of measles cases worldwide since its introduction in the 1960s.
“Before the vaccine was developed, nearly everyone got measles at some point,” says Scott Weaver. “But once the vaccine became available, it completely changed the landscape of the disease. It’s one of the safest and most effective vaccines we’ve ever had.”
Despite the proven effectiveness of the MMR vaccine, vaccination rates have dropped in many parts of the U.S., especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states are below the 95% vaccination rate needed to protect communities from outbreaks. This has made it easier for diseases like measles to spread.
Vaccination Rates and Community Protection To stop the current outbreaks and prevent future ones, experts say it’s crucial to increase vaccination rates. Maintaining a 95% vaccination rate in communities is essential for keeping measles outbreaks in check. If this vaccination threshold is maintained, the spread of the virus could be significantly reduced.
Adults who received the MMR vaccine as children can also receive booster doses if they are unsure of their vaccination status or if they are living in areas with high rates of measles outbreaks. Those who are immunocompromised or living in outbreak-prone areas should discuss getting another dose with their healthcare provider.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone needs to rush to get a booster shot if they have already received two doses of the MMR vaccine as children. According to Weaver, the key to preventing measles outbreaks lies in ensuring widespread vaccination, rather than relying solely on booster shots.
The Bottom Line: Stay Informed and Get Vaccinated Measles outbreaks in the U.S. are a serious concern, but they are preventable. Increasing vaccination rates in communities and ensuring that children and adults are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations can protect individuals and communities from the spread of the virus. As health officials continue to monitor the situation, the best course of action remains clear: vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations, particularly young children.
For more information on measles and vaccination, consult your healthcare provider or visit the CDC’s website.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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