This year’s measles outbreak is the worst since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Midway through 2025, the number of reported cases has already exceeded 1,274, exceeding all 2019 peaks.
As of July 5, a total of 1,277 confirmed cases had been reported, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University Outbreak Response Innovation Center. Most cases are associated with a large outbreak in West Texas. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said other cases occurred during community communication or travel.
The outbreak has resulted in at least 155 hospitalizations, including 431 adults and 824 children. There were three confirmed deaths.
The outbreak of measles in the US exceeds recent records
This virus is one of the most infectious diseases. It is so contagious that 92% of exposed unvaccinated people will get sick. According to the CDC, one in five of them is in the hospital.
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Which state has most cases of measles?
As of July 5th, cases of measles have been reported as confirmed by 39 states and jurisdictions. Most cases have been reported in Texas, New Mexico and Kansas, according to the Outbreak Response Innovation Center and the CDC.
Measles Case Breakdown in Texas
Measles outbreaks in West Texas are growing. According to the Texas Department of Health, 36 counties have reported incidents. As of July 1, Texas had recorded 753 confirmed cases since January. This includes the deaths of two school-age children living in the largest outbreak area.
How to protect yourself and others from measles
Knowing the symptoms of a disease that can be prevented with this vaccine will help reduce the likelihood of its spread. This is a comparison of measles symptoms in children and adults.
According to the CDC, measles symptoms appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus and usually include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. Measles rash appears 3-5 days after the first symptoms.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Coprick spots, small white spots that can appear in the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
- Small raised bumps may appear on top of flat red spots (spread from the head to the rest of the body may result in spots being joined).
- When a rash appears, a person’s fever can skyrocket over 104 degrees.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Outbreak Response Centers for Innovation (CORI), State Health Department, WHO, University of Minnesota, Texas Health Department and USA Today Research
