Widening Measles Outbreak Sparks Concern across Half the U.S.

Measles cases are on the rise in the United States this year, with at least 25 states reporting infections — a startling reminder of how quickly this once-eliminated virus can return when vaccination rates decline.

A significant portion of these cases stems from a multistate outbreak centered in the Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and possibly Kansas. As of Friday, the total number of reported cases in this outbreak has climbed to 709, according to updates from state health departments.

Texas has been hit the hardest, with 597 of the outbreak-related cases originating in the state. Public health officials there are racing to contain the spread and increase vaccine access, particularly in communities with historically low immunization rates.

In Lubbock — near the center of the outbreak — local clinics have taken urgent action. Extended hours have been implemented to meet the growing demand for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to Katherine Wells, Director of Lubbock Public Health, clinics have already administered 450 more MMR doses than what’s typical for this point in the year.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are known to be 97% effective in preventing measles, a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health complications, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Neighboring States Also Affected

New Mexico has reported 63 cases tied to the outbreak, while Oklahoma has confirmed 12 cases — nine confirmed and three considered probable. These numbers have held steady since earlier in the week.

Kansas has also reported 37 measles cases as of Wednesday. Although the state’s health department has not officially confirmed a connection to the larger outbreak, there is strong suspicion the cases are linked, based on timing and travel patterns.

Public health experts emphasize that these numbers are almost certainly underestimates. Due to underreporting, limited access to testing, and delayed diagnoses, the real scope of the outbreak may be much larger than currently known.

So far, 69 people have been hospitalized due to complications from measles in Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas — a rise of five hospitalizations since Tuesday. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports at least 85 hospitalizations, representing approximately 11% of all confirmed cases.

What’s particularly concerning is that the vast majority of cases are occurring in unvaccinated individuals. According to CDC data, only 3% of cases have occurred in people who had received one or more doses of the MMR vaccine — highlighting the vaccine’s effectiveness and the danger of skipping immunizations.

Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in the year 2000, meaning the virus was no longer continuously spreading within the country. However, that elimination status could be at risk if current trends continue.

According to Dr. David Sugerman, a senior scientist at the CDC, the United States could lose its measles elimination status if transmission of the same virus strain persists for 12 continuous months. At the current pace, that critical date could fall around January 20, 2026.

Losing this status would be a significant public health setback and a sign that the country’s vaccination coverage has dropped below the threshold needed to maintain herd immunity — typically 95% for measles.

Tragic Losses and International Links

The outbreak has already claimed lives. Two children in Texas have died from the virus, and a third death in New Mexico is currently under investigation. All three children were unvaccinated.

International travel has also played a role in spreading the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that measles cases in Mexico have been linked to those in Texas. In Colorado, three individuals are under investigation after two of them traveled to Mexico. Another case was reported in Pennsylvania following a trip to Texas, though officials have not specified which region of Texas was visited.

The Arkansas Department of Health recently reported its second measles case this year, which officials say was linked to out-of-state travel. No additional details have been released.

Many other recent U.S. measles cases have been associated with international travel, reinforcing the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates, especially among those who travel abroad or live in communities with frequent international visitors.

Health departments across the country are urging parents, schools, and healthcare providers to review immunization records and ensure that children and adults are up to date on their MMR vaccinations.

Officials stress that getting vaccinated is the best protection against measles — a virus so contagious that up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to it will become infected. Measles can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, brain swelling, permanent hearing loss, and even death.

As the outbreak continues to unfold, public health leaders are calling for a coordinated national response — including increased funding for vaccine outreach, public education campaigns, and rapid response measures to contain outbreaks as they emerge.

News Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/18/health/measles-25-states/index.html