CDC Reports 607 Cases of Measles Across 22 States, Confirming 6 Outbreaks
Texas reports over 480 cases of measles and 2 measles-related deaths, with 1 including an unvaccinated pediatric patient.
Across 22 states, there have been 607 confirmed measles cases reported as of April 3, 2025, according to the CDC, and this includes 6 outbreaks—confirmed as 3 or more related cases. Approximately 567 cases are reported to be associated with a breakout. Of the cases, approximately 97% are reported to be in patients who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.1
Texas reports over 480 cases of measles and 2 measles-related deaths, with 1 including an unvaccinated pediatric patient. | Image Credit: tashatuvango - stock.adobe.com
Currently, Texas has reported over 480 cases of measles,2 but there have been cases in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.1
In 1912, measles became a nationally notifiable disease in the United States, meaning health care providers and laboratories had to report all cases, and it resulted in an average of 6000 measles-related deaths each year for approximately the first decade. In 1963, a vaccine for measles became available, and in 1978, the CDC tried to eliminate measles from the United States by 1982.
Although the goal was not met, the CDC reported that measles cases were down by 80% in 1981 compared with 1980. In 2000, measles was declared to be eliminated from the United States, meaning that the continuous spread of the disease was absent for more than 12 months.3
Texas Health and Human Services declared that the measles outbreak now includes 10 counties, where 95% of confirmed cases have been: Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry, and Yoakum. New Mexico also reported 54 cases, with 52 in Lea County, which is near Gaines County, Texas. Kansas has a total of 24 cases across 6 counties as well.2,4,5
Texas also reported 2 confirmed measles-related deaths, which included an unvaccinated child, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. The patient passed away due to measles pulmonary failure and had no reported underlying conditions. In total, there have been 74 hospitalizations, equating to approximately 12% of patients infected by measles, and 42 patients were under the age of 5 years.2,6
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been proven safe and effective, but vaccination coverage among US kindergarteners decreased from 95.2% during 2019 to 2020 to 92.7% in 2023 to 2024, according to the CDC. In March, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory to clinicians, public health officials, and potential travelers about the outbreaks across the US. As the travel season approaches, the CDC urges those eligible to get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.1,7
Health care officials play a critical role in preventing the spread of measles as they can help offer guidance for travelers, promote vaccination, and identify a rash-like illnesses. Children are recommended to receive 2 doses of MMR, with the first dose at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. Infants 6 months or older can also receive the vaccination due to international travel or if they live in outbreak settings. Adults who are not at high risk of exposure are recommended to have at least 1 documented dose of MMR in their lifetime or other immunity, such as positive measles immunoglobin G. For adults at high exposure, including students at post-secondary institutions, health care workers, and international travelers, patients should receive 2 documented doses.7
The CDC warns that some patients could develop a mild rash in the 3 weeks that follow MMR vaccination, but it typically will not require testing or public health interventions as the vaccine-related reaction is not infectious. In the case of suspected measles, the patients should be isolated immediately. Health care providers should adhere to standard and airborne precautions when evaluating confirmed or suspected cases.7
READ MORE: Infectious Diseases Resource Center
Ready to impress your pharmacy colleagues with the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter.
