Health officials in Colorado say the state’s measles outbreak has officially ended. Meanwhile, the number of new cases across the country is also slowing, with just 10 new confirmed cases reported nationwide in the past week.
As of Wednesday, the national measles case count stood at 1,319, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That total surpasses the number of U.S. cases in 2019, when the country nearly lost its measles elimination status.
Texas remains the epicenter of this year’s outbreak, which intensified through the winter and spring. Other states with active outbreaks—defined by the CDC as three or more linked cases—include Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Utah.
So far, three people in the U.S. have died from measles in 2025, all of whom were unvaccinated: two children in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico.
North America is also seeing major outbreaks in other regions. Ontario, Canada, has had 2,276 cases since mid-October and reported its first measles-related death, an infant with additional health conditions, on June 5. Alberta, Canada, has reported 1,472 cases. The Mexican state of Chihuahua has confirmed 3,296 cases and 10 deaths.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air via coughing, sneezing, or even breathing. It is preventable through vaccination and was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Texas
Texas did not report any new cases this week, with the total holding at 762 across 36 counties. Most cases occurred in West Texas. Of those infected, 99 people have been hospitalized. Fewer than 10 cases were still infectious as of Tuesday. The outbreak in Gaines County began in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The state’s first measles death this year was an 8-year-old who died from measles pulmonary failure. A 6-year-old unvaccinated child also died earlier this year.
New Mexico
New Mexico reported no new cases this week, keeping its total at 95. Lea County has the most cases at 67, though it and six other counties no longer have active transmission. Fourteen cases tied to a jail in Luna County remain active. One adult who did not seek medical care died of measles on March 6. Seven people have been hospitalized in the state’s outbreak.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has reported 17 confirmed and three probable measles cases. No new cases were added this week. The state health department is not disclosing specific county locations, but says no public exposures have been reported recently.
Arizona
Arizona has four measles cases in Navajo County, all linked to a single source. All of the individuals were unvaccinated and had recently traveled internationally.
Georgia
Georgia reported an outbreak of three cases in the Atlanta metro area, with the latest confirmed on June 18. In total, the state has seen six measles cases this year, with the other three stemming from a separate outbreak in January.
Iowa
Iowa added one new case, bringing the state’s total to eight in 2025. The new case was not linked to earlier ones and involved a fully vaccinated person. Four other cases are part of the same household in Johnson County.
Kansas
Kansas reported 90 total cases this year across 11 southwestern counties, with eight hospitalizations. Most are in Gray County, and all but three cases are connected.
Kentucky
Kentucky has had 13 measles cases this year. An outbreak in Central Kentucky reached nine cases by July 8, affecting Fayette and Woodford Counties.
Michigan
Michigan has seen 18 measles cases in 2025. Eight of those are linked to outbreaks. Grand Traverse County currently has four active cases. A separate outbreak in Montcalm County ended on June 2.
Missouri
Missouri’s total held at seven cases. Five occurred in Cedar County, with four in the same family. The fifth case remains under investigation.
Montana
Montana added two cases this week, bringing its total to 27. Gallatin County has had 17 cases, with others reported in Flathead, Yellowstone, Hill, and Cascade Counties. These are the state’s first measles cases in 35 years. Neighboring North Dakota and Canadian provinces also have outbreaks.
Utah
Utah reported one additional case this week, raising its total to 11. At least three cases are linked, and health officials believe there are three separate clusters in the state.
Other states
Other U.S. states with reported measles cases this year include Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. Outbreaks in Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee have ended.
Measles is often brought into the U.S. by travelers. The CDC reported in May that imported cases had more than doubled compared to the same time last year. Most were among unvaccinated Americans returning from international trips.
MMR Vaccine
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which covers measles, mumps, and rubella. The first dose is recommended for children at 12 to 15 months, and the second between ages 4 and 6. Adults concerned about waning immunity can safely receive another dose.
Those vaccinated in the 1960s with a live virus version do not need revaccination. However, individuals immunized before 1968 with the “killed” virus should receive at least one updated dose. People who have previously had measles or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune.
High vaccination rates (above 95%) help prevent measles outbreaks through herd immunity. Unfortunately, childhood vaccination rates have declined since the pandemic, and more parents are requesting waivers for religious or personal reasons.
Symptoms
Measles begins with a respiratory infection and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and a rash. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads downward. Fever can rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears.
While most children recover, measles can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for measles. Doctors focus on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply