Measles outbreak surges with 287 total cases reported in the U.S

In 2025, the U.S. has seen a significant rise in measles cases, surpassing the total reported cases for the whole of 2024 as early as March. As of March 11, 287 cases have been identified, with 258 linked to an outbreak originating in West Texas that started in January. This outbreak has not only affected Texas but has also spread to New Mexico and Oklahoma, indicating a concerning trend of rising infections across state lines. Health officials have expressed alarm as the outbreak accounts for 90% of the measles cases recorded nationwide this year. Among those affected, a troubling statistic has emerged – 94% of the reported cases involved individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. The severity of the outbreak is illustrated by hospitalizations; 38 individuals have been hospitalized, including 21 children under five years old. The outbreak has also resulted in at least two fatalities, one of which involved an unvaccinated school-aged child in Texas and another case under investigation in New Mexico where the patient tested positive for measles posthumously. While West Texas remains the hotspot for the majority of cases, instances of measles have been reported in several other states such as Alaska, California, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Each state has reported varying numbers of cases, with California noting five cases, Georgia recording three, and Vermont confirming its first case on March 11. The continuing spread poses a risk not only to unvaccinated populations but also threatens the herd immunity necessary to protect vulnerable individuals. Measles is recognized as an extremely contagious virus that can lead to severe complications, emphasizing the importance of vaccination as the most effective preventive measure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with health officials stress that individuals should receive the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to mitigate the risk of outbreaks in the future. The current situation has ignited concerns among public health authorities, given that a significant percentage of cases are occurring in children and adolescents, who account for 79% of all infections reported so far this year.