The United States is facing a concerning rise in measles cases, with nearly 900 confirmed infections and active outbreaks in about a fifth of the country, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
So far, 884 cases have been reported in 2025, nearly triple the number recorded throughout 2024. The most severe outbreak is in Texas, where the surge, which began three months ago, has resulted in 663 confirmed cases. Infections have also been reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
In Texas, two unvaccinated elementary school children died from complications related to measles. Another death occurred in New Mexico, where an unvaccinated adult passed away on March 6. Health authorities confirmed that the outbreak in New Mexico is genetically linked to the one in Texas.
Other states with active outbreaks—defined as having three or more cases—include Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
The situation is not limited to the United States. In Canada, Ontario has reported 1,020 cases since October. In Mexico, the state of Chihuahua has confirmed 761 infections and one death as of Tuesday. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that both outbreaks are connected to the Texas origin.
Measles, a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air, was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. However, low vaccination rates in certain communities have allowed it to make a comeback. Experts fear that if the trend continues, the virus could remain active throughout the year.
In Texas alone, authorities reported 17 new cases since last Friday, bringing the total to 663 spread across 26 counties, mostly in the western part of the state. The number of hospitalizations also rose to 87 after including 23 previous cases.
The most affected county is Gaines, with a population of just 22,892 people. There, 396 cases have been detected since late January, accounting for more than 1.5% of its residents. The virus spread primarily within a Mennonite community with low vaccination rates.
One of the most recent deaths occurred on April 3: an eight-year-old child with no underlying medical conditions who died from measles-related pulmonary failure, according to Texas authorities. Another unvaccinated child, aged six, also died from measles at the end of February.
In New Mexico, the number of cases has increased to 66, with seven hospitalizations. Most of the cases are in Lea County, although there are also reports from Eddy, Chaves, and Doña Ana counties.
In addition to Texas and New Mexico, the CDC has identified cases in at least 20 other states, including California, Florida, New York, Illinois, and Washington. Many outbreaks have originated from individuals who contracted the disease abroad. In 2019, the U.S. recorded 1,274 cases, the highest number in decades, and was nearly at risk of losing its status as a measles-free country.
The best defense remains vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is administered in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between four and six years old. The CDC clarifies that an additional dose poses no risks for those wishing to boost their immunity.
People vaccinated before 1968 with an inactive version of the vaccine should get revaccinated, while those born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to prior exposure to the virus in childhood.
“Herd immunity,” which is achieved with vaccination rates above 95%, is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. However, vaccination coverage has dropped nationwide since the pandemic, with increasing numbers of parents requesting exemptions for religious or personal reasons.
In 2024, there was already an uptick in cases, including an outbreak in Chicago that infected more than 60 people. The rising trend in 2025 has raised alarms among experts and health authorities, who stress the urgent need to strengthen vaccination campaigns.
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