The United States reported fewer than 20 new measles cases this week, but the situation remains concerning as Iowa announced its first outbreak on Thursday, while Georgia confirmed its second outbreak on Wednesday. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been a total of 1,214 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. this year. In Texas, which experienced the largest outbreak earlier this year, health officials confirmed six new cases in the past week.
North America is facing several significant outbreaks of measles. The longest ongoing outbreak is in Ontario, Canada, which has reported 2,179 cases from mid-October through June 17. Tragically, the province recorded its first death from measles on June 5, involving a baby who had congenital measles alongside other preexisting health conditions. Another major outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 996 individuals, while the Mexican state of Chihuahua reported 2,335 cases and four fatalities as of Friday, according to the local health ministry.
In addition to Texas, other U.S. states experiencing active outbreaks, defined by the CDC as having three or more related cases, include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. Alarmingly, this year, two unvaccinated elementary school-aged children in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico have died from measles-related complications.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that is transmitted through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. This disease is preventable through vaccination and was considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000. However, the current outbreaks highlight the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of this disease.
Texas has reported a total of 750 measles cases across 35 counties, primarily concentrated in West Texas. State health officials indicated that around 97 individuals have been hospitalized during the outbreak. Currently, less than 1% of the cases are considered actively infectious. Notably, 55% of Texas' cases are located in Gaines County, where the outbreak began within a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community, resulting in 413 cases since late January.
New Mexico's count remains steady at 81 measles cases, with seven individuals hospitalized since the start of the outbreak. Most cases are concentrated in Lea County, with a few in Sandoval, Eddy, Doña Ana, Chaves, Curry, and San Juan counties. A tragic death occurred on March 6, involving an unvaccinated adult who did not seek medical care.
Oklahoma reported one new case on Friday, bringing the total to 17 confirmed cases and three probable cases. The state health department has not disclosed which counties are affected.
In Arizona, there are four confirmed cases in Navajo County, all linked to a single source. The individuals were unvaccinated and had a recent history of international travel.
Colorado has recorded 16 measles cases this year, including an outbreak of 10 related cases linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that arrived at Denver International Airport in mid-May. Some of the infected individuals were on the flight, while others contracted the virus from exposure at the airport. An unrelated case in Boulder County involves a fully vaccinated individual who recently traveled to Europe.
Georgia is currently dealing with a three-case outbreak in metro Atlanta, with the latest infection confirmed on Wednesday. The state has reported a total of six cases this year.
Illinois confirmed an outbreak in the far southern region of the state, initially reporting four cases on May 5, which grew to eight cases by June 6. No new cases have been reported since then. The state has two additional unrelated cases in Cook County.
Iowa has recorded six total measles cases in 2025, with four stemming from an outbreak in eastern Johnson County among members of the same household. Health officials state that those infected are isolating at home, and they do not anticipate further spread.
Kansas has documented 79 measles cases across 11 counties, primarily in the southwestern region, with three hospitalizations reported. Most of these cases are connected, with a majority occurring in Gray County.
Montana reported 22 measles cases, with 14 of them located in Gallatin County, where the first cases emerged—marking the state's first outbreak in 35 years. Other counties reporting cases include Flathead, Yellowstone, and Hill.
North Dakota has seen 34 measles cases since June 6, all involving unvaccinated individuals. The majority of cases have been reported in Williams County, with additional cases in Grand Forks and Cass counties.
In addition to the states mentioned, measles cases have also been reported in Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Health officials have declared earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania over after six weeks of no new cases. Tennessee's outbreak also appears to be resolved.
The CDC has noted that many U.S. measles cases are frequently traced back to individuals who contracted the disease abroad, with more than double the number of cases originating outside the U.S. compared to the same time last year. The trend underscores the importance of vaccination, especially for unvaccinated individuals returning from international travel.
The most effective way to prevent measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC recommends that children receive their first MMR shot between 12 and 15 months of age, followed by a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Adults can safely receive an additional MMR shot if there are concerns about waning immunity. Those vaccinated prior to 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from a "killed" virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose.
Individuals with documentation of having had measles in the past are considered immune, while those born before 1957 generally do not require vaccination due to the high prevalence of measles during their childhood. Maintaining high vaccination rates—above 95%—is crucial to achieving herd immunity, which makes it more difficult for the virus to spread within communities.
Measles typically begins by infecting the respiratory tract and can spread throughout the body. Early symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash. The rash usually appears three to five days after the onset of initial symptoms, starting as flat red spots on the face before spreading to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash becomes visible, the fever may spike above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
While most children recover from measles, complications can be severe, leading to pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, or even death. Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles; medical care focuses on easing symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort.
For ongoing updates and more information on measles and vaccination, refer to the CDC and local health authorities.
