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  • The measles epidemic in the United States continues to escalate, with 1,024 confirmed instances, overtaking last year’s entire count.
  • A warning about measles has been issued by the CDC for both travelers and medical personnel, with continuous recommendations for vaccination.
  • High rates of immunization provide a shield for those unable to receive vaccines due to health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Additional states have reported cases of measles as part of the expanding outbreak, exacerbated by misinformation about vaccines and continued reluctance to vaccinate.

As of May 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported measles in 30 states including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, with additional reports in New York City.

This number exceeds the 285 cases recorded throughout 2024.

Of the current cases, 691 involve children and young adults under the age of 20. The CDC attributes 93% of these cases to 14 separate outbreaks across the nation. To date, 128 individuals have been hospitalized due to the illness.

According to the CDC, 96% of those affected have not been vaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.

West Texas is currently the epicenter of the measles outbreak, with 722 cases reported by May 20. New Mexico follows with the second highest number of cases at 74.

Tragically, two unvaccinated children in West Texas have succumbed to the disease, along with one unvaccinated individual in Lea County, New Mexico.

The rise in measles cases within the U.S. is paralleled by its spread internationally.

An analysis from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF revealed over 127,000 measles cases in Europe during 2024, a figure that doubles the previous year’s total in the region, which includes 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia. This marks the highest incidence since 1997.

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Over half of these European cases required hospitalization, with 38 deaths reported. In total, approximately 360,000 measles cases were recorded globally in 2024.

The widespread outbreak has led the CDC to issue an advisory to U.S. residents and healthcare workers.

The CDC urges healthcare providers to highlight the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to parents and unvaccinated adults.

Doctors are advised to consider measles in the diagnosis for anyone exhibiting a high fever, rash, or cough who has recently traveled to areas experiencing outbreaks.

Travelers are recommended to ensure they are fully vaccinated before departure and to monitor themselves for measles symptoms for three weeks upon return.

“Measles is an extremely contagious disease that can be fatal,” stated Anne Liu, MD, a clinical associate professor of pediatrics immunology and allergy at Stanford University. “Unvaccinated individuals and those with compromised immune systems should be especially concerned about the increasing reach of this outbreak.”

Vaccinations prevent spread of measles

Experts assert that the rapid spread of measles is primarily due to its highly contagious nature.

“This disease is remarkably contagious, more so than any other we know,” said Danelle Fisher, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA.

She explained that individuals with measles can spread the virus from four days before any symptoms appear to seven to 10 days after.

William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized that vaccination is the sole method of protection against measles.

“There is no substitute for vaccination. Despite recent discussions, vitamin A does not prevent measles,” Schaffner informed Healthline.

Fisher concurred, noting that those who are vaccinated or have previously had measles have little to worry about in terms of contracting or spreading the disease.

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“You won’t get sick nor spread it,” she assured Healthline.

However, she warned that unvaccinated individuals or those whose immunity has diminished significantly face a substantially greater risk.

Fisher likened the situation to the pre-vaccine era of COVID-19 in 2020, suggesting that without the measles vaccine, the disease could potentially circle the globe in mere weeks.

“Vaccinations are crucial to preventing a wider outbreak,” she stated.

Fisher strongly urged parents to ensure their children are up to date with vaccinations and recommended unvaccinated adults or those unsure of their vaccination status to get vaccinated.

She explained that vaccines protect not only the individual but also those who are unable to receive vaccinations due to medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

“It’s essential for everyone to contribute to the protection of the most vulnerable,” Fisher emphasized.

Schaffner echoed her sentiment, highlighting the danger to immunocompromised children and adults. “If they contract measles, they could become severely ill. We all play a part in shielding them by getting vaccinated and creating a protective barrier around them,” he explained.

What else can you do to prevent measles?

Beyond vaccination, there are additional precautions you can take to minimize your risk of contracting measles, according to experts.

Fisher advised those who are unvaccinated to avoid planes, trains, or any form of mass transportation and to limit travel to essential needs only.

She also suggested making workplace adjustments to reduce contact with others, especially for those employed at or frequenting schools and healthcare facilities.

Moreover, Fisher recommended being vigilant around anyone exhibiting symptoms of an upper respiratory illness, which could indicate measles.

“Avoid crowded places like grocery stores as the outbreak spreads, since safe zones will become increasingly limited,” she cautioned.

What to know about measles

Prior to the widespread availability of the vaccine in the mid-1950s, measles led to over 3 million illnesses, 48,000 hospitalizations, and 500 deaths annually in the United States.

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The CDC advises that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, typically between 12 to 15 months for the first dose and between 4 to 6 years for the second.

Measles spreads through air particles or by touching surfaces contaminated with infected droplets.

Symptoms generally appear within 14 days and include a widespread rash, high fever, cough, and sore throat.

  • Widespread skin rash
  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat

Approximately 30% of measles cases result in complications like ear infections and diarrhea. Severe complications, although rare, can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Liu highlighted a lesser-known consequence of measles, which is its ability to erase part of a person’s immune memory, making them susceptible to infections they have previously conquered.

“These are preventable illnesses,” Liu stressed, emphasizing the importance of vaccination. “Many people end up hospitalized due to the severity of the disease, not just for quarantine.”

Schaffner reinforced the seriousness of measles and the need for public awareness. “Stay informed and ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated. If you know people who hesitate to vaccinate their children, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor. We need to support each other in protecting our community,” he concluded.