Measles Outbreak in the US: Nearly 500 Cases Reported Across 19 States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on March 28, 2025, that the United States has experienced a significant rise in measles cases, with nearly 500 confirmed instances across 19 states. The outbreak is concentrated in specific regions, particularly Texas, which has seen the largest number of cases. According to federal reports, the outbreak has resulted in 70 hospitalizations across the country, highlighting the severity of the current measles resurgence. This marks a significant increase from 2024, when there were only 285 confirmed cases of measles in the entire year.

Overview of the Current Outbreak

As of late March 2025, there have been 483 confirmed cases of measles across 20 US jurisdictions, with Texas bearing the brunt of the outbreak. The state health department reported 400 cases of measles in Texas as of March 28, and this number is expected to rise. The outbreak has had dire consequences, including one confirmed death, and health authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely. The CDC’s report highlights the risks of contracting measles, especially in areas where vaccination rates are low.

The outbreak is concentrated in several states, with New Mexico also seeing an increase in cases. As of March 28, New Mexico reported 44 measles cases, with the majority of them located in Lea County, which borders Texas. This has raised concerns about the spread of the disease between neighboring states. The two states, Texas and New Mexico, have become central points in this ongoing public health crisis.

Who is Most Affected?

The CDC’s data revealed that the overwhelming majority of those affected by the measles outbreak are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Of the 483 confirmed cases, 97% involved individuals who had either not received the measles vaccine or whose vaccine status could not be verified. A particularly alarming statistic is that 75% of the cases this year have been among individuals under the age of 19, which is a clear indication of how vulnerable children are to the disease in areas with low vaccination rates.

Among the 483 cases, the outbreak has disproportionately affected younger populations, especially children who have not been vaccinated or whose immunization status is unclear. As a result, school-aged children and teenagers have been significantly impacted by the disease, with outbreaks being reported in schools and daycare centers in multiple states. The CDC’s report on the rising number of measles cases among young people underscores the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks in vulnerable populations.

Impact on Public Health and Hospitals

The rise in measles cases this year has also led to an increase in hospitalizations. A total of 70 people have been hospitalized due to measles complications, which can include pneumonia, ear infections, and, in rare cases, brain swelling (encephalitis), which can be fatal. Hospital systems are under strain as they deal with the growing number of cases. Health officials are urging the public to ensure that their vaccinations are up to date and to seek immediate medical attention if they show symptoms of measles, such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash.

The situation in Texas has raised particular concern, given the large number of cases reported in the state. Hospitals in the region are being overwhelmed, and healthcare providers are working tirelessly to treat patients and prevent further spread. The federal government has pledged resources to support state and local health departments, including providing additional doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is critical in controlling the outbreak.

Controversy Surrounding Vaccine Hesitancy

Measles outbreaks in the United States have often been linked to vaccine hesitancy, particularly among certain groups of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. This issue has been amplified by misinformation about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, which has been widely spread by anti-vaccine advocates. One of the most prominent figures in the anti-vaccine movement is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has questioned the safety of vaccines for years, despite overwhelming evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness.

Kennedy’s public comments and advocacy against vaccines have contributed to a climate of doubt about immunization, which has likely played a role in the current measles outbreak. This has become particularly problematic in areas with low vaccination rates, where diseases like measles can spread quickly in communities where herd immunity is not strong enough to protect the most vulnerable.

The CDC’s advisory to doctors in early March 2025 emphasized the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of measles. Despite this, vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge, and some parents continue to delay or refuse vaccination for their children, increasing the likelihood of outbreaks in their communities.

Vitamin A and the Misguided Remedies

The outbreak has also highlighted concerns about the use of unproven treatments for measles. Some children have suffered from complications, including liver damage, after being given high doses of vitamin A at home, a treatment promoted by some anti-vaccine advocates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The practice, which has been widely criticized by medical professionals, is seen as a dangerous and ineffective way to manage measles. High doses of vitamin A can cause severe side effects, including toxicity and organ damage, especially when taken without medical supervision.

Health authorities have warned against self-treatment and stressed the importance of seeking medical care for children showing symptoms of measles. Vitamin A is sometimes used as part of medical treatment for severe cases of measles, but only under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The spread of such misinformation has led to harmful practices that have put children’s health at further risk.

Addressing the Measles Outbreak

As the measles outbreak continues to unfold, federal, state, and local health departments are working together to contain the spread of the disease. Public health campaigns are being launched to encourage vaccination and raise awareness about the importance of immunization. The CDC has urged parents to ensure that their children receive the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.

Efforts to control the outbreak have also included enhanced surveillance and monitoring in affected states, especially Texas and New Mexico. Health authorities are conducting outreach to communities and schools to encourage vaccination and provide information about the symptoms of measles. In some areas, school districts have been forced to close temporarily to prevent further exposure to the virus.

The current measles outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of vaccine hesitancy and the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to protect public health. As the situation evolves, health authorities are committed to working with communities to mitigate the spread of the disease and prevent further harm. The outbreak in Texas and other states is a critical moment for the nation, and it is essential that everyone takes the necessary steps to protect themselves and others from this preventable disease.

The CDC’s ongoing efforts to combat the outbreak, along with the cooperation of local health departments, are vital in controlling the spread of measles. However, addressing the root cause of the problem—vaccine hesitancy—will require long-term efforts to rebuild public trust in vaccines and ensure that misinformation is countered with accurate, science-based information. Only then can the US hope to prevent future outbreaks and protect its population from diseases like measles that can have serious health consequences.

In conclusion, the 2025 measles outbreak is a public health emergency that underscores the need for continued vigilance and vaccination efforts to protect the health of the nation, particularly children, who are the most vulnerable to this highly contagious disease. The path forward involves not only addressing the immediate crisis but also working toward a future where vaccine-preventable diseases are no longer a threat to public health.