Measles Outbreaks Reported in Nine States

Health officials remind the public: Measles is serious and very contagious; being vaccinated is the best defense.

Measles is an airborne, highly contagious disease that can be very severe. However, people have the power to protect themselves and their children with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, ongoing outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico, New Jersey, and six other states, illustrate that the illness can spread easily in communities with pockets of unvaccinated people. As of February 28, 164 confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally with the largest number of cases occurring in Texas (146 as of February 28). Most of the Texas cases were in school-age children. Of the cases reported in 2025, 95 percent were people who were unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status, and 20 percent of cases have resulted in hospitalization.

Sadly, the Texas Department of State Health Services has reported the first death resulting from the outbreak. The death occurred in a child who was not vaccinated. A measles death is particularly tragic because such deaths are preventable.

Here’s what you need to know about measles.

• Measles is highly contagious. You can contract measles by breathing air contaminated by an infected person or touching an infected surface. The measles virus can linger in the air for several hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Measles symptoms usually include a fever, rash, cough, and red eyes. Someone who is infected with measles can spread the infection to others before they notice symptoms, especially in the four days before or after a rash develops.
• Measles can lead to serious health consequences especially for babies and young children including hearing loss, brain swelling, pneumonia, and even death. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk, but children under the age of five, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible and are at risk for more serious outcomes.
• Data show that unvaccinated people have a 90 percent likelihood of contracting measles if they are exposed. One out of five people who contract measles will require hospitalization.
• If you have been exposed to someone with measles or display symptoms, like a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body, you should isolate and contact a healthcare provider immediately.
• Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid contracting measles. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has been in use since 1971 with the measles vaccine dating back even further to 1963. The MMR vaccine has been shown to be 97 percent effective for people who have received the full series (two doses). After the measles vaccine was introduced, reported cases in the U.S. dropped by 97% in just three years.
• Children between the ages of 6 – 11 months can be given the MMR vaccine in areas with measles cases, but most children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months. Babies younger than 6 months are not yet ready for vaccination, which is why older children and adults who interact with infants should be fully vaccinated.

Resources for further information:

Measles Symptoms and Complications | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC

Measles Vaccination | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC

Vaccinate Your Family: Measles Resources (Vaccinate Your Family)

Measles Vaccination: Know the Facts  (Infectious Disease Society of America)

Posted March 3, 2025