A threat to public health; measles cases and spread are increasing.

As of April 10, 2025, a total of 712 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 25 U.S. states and jurisdictions. These include Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. In comparison, only 285 cases were reported in all of 2024, indicating a clear surge this year.

Sudden Outbreak:
Measles is a viral illness known for its rapid spread. It is also referred to as rubeola. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent the disease.

So far in 2025, 712 cases have been confirmed, with 93% (660 of 712) linked to outbreaks. In contrast, of the 285 cases reported in 2024, 69% (198) were associated with outbreaks.

Importance of Vaccination:
Measles was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in the year 2000. New cases generally originate from individuals who contract the disease abroad and bring it into the country. The MMR vaccine (which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella) is highly safe and effective. When over 95% of a community is vaccinated, herd immunity helps protect even those who are unvaccinated.

However, the vaccination rate among kindergarten students in the U.S. dropped from 95.2% in 2019–2020 to 92.7% in 2023–2024. This decline puts around 280,000 children at increased risk. As vaccination rates decrease, the likelihood of measles spreading within unvaccinated groups rises. These trends highlight a growing concern over measles outbreaks in the U.S. and underscore the continued importance of vaccination.

How Does Measles Spread?
Measles spreads through direct contact with an infected person. The virus can be transmitted by inhaling respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also survive on surfaces; touching a contaminated surface and then touching the nose or mouth without washing hands can lead to infection. Measles particles can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

Symptoms of Measles:
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:

High fever (up to 104°F / 40°C)

Cough

Runny nose

Red or watery eyes

Sore throat

Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)

Rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

Complications from Measles:
In some individuals, measles can cause serious health problems, such as:

Ear infections

Pneumonia

Brain inflammation (encephalitis)

Diarrhea and vomiting

Miscarriage or preterm birth in pregnant women

The best way to prevent measles is to receive the MMR vaccine, which is proven to be both safe and effective.