As of June 14, 2025, the CDC has confirmed a total of 1,197 measles cases in the United States this year, with a notable outbreak in Texas accounting for over 700 of these cases.

Texas is currently experiencing the largest measles outbreak in the U.S., with 744 cases primarily affecting a Mennonite community in Gaines County.

Tragically, this outbreak has led to three deaths and 144 hospitalizations, highlighting the severity of the situation.

A staggering 95% of confirmed measles cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced vaccination efforts.

Concerns are growing as vaccination rates have declined across the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the risk of future outbreaks.

The CDC emphasizes that measles is highly contagious, particularly among unvaccinated individuals, with outbreaks often linked to international travel.

For suspected measles cases, laboratory confirmation through RT-PCR and serological tests is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Active measles outbreaks are also reported in several other states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois, indicating a broader public health challenge.

In addition to measles, other viruses such as mumps and pertussis are circulating in the U.S., with mumps cases reported at 139 and a significant rise in pertussis cases.

Classic symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and rash, can mimic other viral infections, complicating diagnosis and response.

To prevent widespread transmission, herd immunity requires that 95% of a community be immune to measles, a threshold that is currently not met in affected areas of Texas.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with the MMR vaccine is critical for controlling outbreaks, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.