This past weekend, Louisiana, Virginia, and Missouri all reported their first measles cases of 2025, highlighting the ongoing risk of this highly contagious disease as at least 27 states confirm at least one case. All three reported cases have been linked to international travel, underscoring the importance of vaccination and public health measures.
On Saturday, Louisiana confirmed its first case of measles in an adult who had traveled internationally. According to the Louisiana Health Department, the patient, who resides in the greater New Orleans area, was unvaccinated. Health officials are currently working diligently to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. Fortunately, the patient was not hospitalized and will remain in isolation until they are no longer infectious, as stated by the health department.
Virginia also reported its inaugural measles case on the same day, involving a child under the age of four who had recently traveled internationally. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has stated that, for privacy reasons, no additional information will be disclosed about the child, including vaccination status. This case serves as a crucial reminder of the ease with which measles can spread, particularly in connection with international travel, according to VDH State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano.
On Friday, Missouri reported its first case of measles in 2025, identified in a child who is also an international traveler. The vaccination status of this child is currently unknown, as reported by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Health officials are proactively alerting those who may have been in contact with the child to prevent further transmission. As of now, no additional cases have been identified in the state.
The current measles outbreak in the United States has reached a staggering total of 800 confirmed cases, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alarmingly, the outbreak has resulted in two fatalities in Texas, with a third death under investigation in New Mexico, according to state health officials. The surge in cases is nearly three times that of the previous year, when only 285 cases were recorded.
If the current trend continues, experts warn that the U.S. could exceed the 2019 total of 1,274 cases, potentially reaching the highest levels seen since 1992. Currently, six states are experiencing significant outbreaks defined as three or more related cases: Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Kansas, Indiana, and Michigan. Alarmingly, reports indicate that 96% of this year’s cases are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the room, making it essential for communities to maintain high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks.
As the situation continues to develop, health officials are urging individuals to review their vaccination status and remain vigilant, especially when traveling internationally. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps safeguard public health by preventing the spread of this dangerous disease.
