Dozens of states across America are facing a measles resurgence as cases continue to rise in 2025. As of March 6, health officials have confirmed 222 measles cases across 12 states, with Texas reporting the highest number at 198 cases. The recent outbreaks have resulted in 38 measles-related hospitalizations nationwide and two confirmed deaths in Texas and New Mexico.
The CDC reports that 93% of cases are linked to outbreaks, with children and young adults under 19 accounting for 79% of all cases. Health experts point to declining vaccination rates as the primary cause of the surge. In the 2023-2024 school year, MMR vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners dropped to 92.7%, and about 125,000 kindergarteners received vaccine exemptions in 2023. Research shows that vaccine-induced immunity may wane over time in approximately 5% of individuals within 10 to 15 years after vaccination.
Declining childhood vaccination rates have created dangerous immunity gaps, allowing measles to spread rapidly among our most vulnerable populations.
Measles spreads through coughing, sneezing, talking, and even breathing. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room. With an R0 (basic reproduction number) of 12-18, measles is much more contagious than the flu (1.3) and COVID-19 Delta variant (5-8). This means about 90% of unvaccinated people close to an infected person will likely contract the disease.
The MMR vaccine remains the most effective prevention method. Two doses are 97% effective against measles, while a single dose provides 93% protection. The vaccine’s protection lasts decades, possibly even a lifetime, and vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the disease if infected.
Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. The characteristic red rash follows 3-5 days later. Complications can be severe, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
Public health departments have implemented outbreak response teams and mobile vaccine drives to combat the spread. Health officials continue to emphasize that despite widespread misinformation, multiple studies confirm no link exists between the MMR vaccine and autism.
They’re calling for increased vaccination rates to protect communities from further outbreaks.
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