Measles Outbreak April 2025

Current U.S. measles outbreaks

There are at least 6 U.S. measles outbreaks and more than 600 confirmed cases across 21 states so far in 2025. These include Texas, where 2 unvaccinated school-age children have now died from measles. Neither child had underlying medical conditions reported.

Choosing to not vaccinate your children not only leaves them susceptible to measles, but also exposes other children to measles. This includes infants who are too young to be vaccinated and those who are unable to be vaccinated due to other health conditions.

How is measles spread?

The measles virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs and someone nearby inhales the infected droplets. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with fluids from the nose or mouth of an infected person.

How long can the measles virus live on surfaces?

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases known. The virus can live for up to 2 hours in the air where infected people have coughed or sneezed, or on surfaces they may have touched. As a result, anyone in crowded, public spaces may come into contact with measles.

What are the signs & symptoms of measles?
The most recognizable measles symptom is a very high fever accompanied by a red or brownish blotchy rash, although this is not the only symptom.

Before the rash appears, children with measles develop cold-like symptoms, including:

Cough
Runny nose
Fever
Red, watery eyes

These symptoms tend to get worse during the first 1 to 3 days of the illness.

When do children need to get the measles vaccine?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all recommend children receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at age 12-15 months, and again at 4-6 years. Children can receive the second dose earlier if it is at least 28 days after the first dose.

There is a combination vaccine called MMRV that contains both chickenpox and MMR vaccines. MMRV is an option for some children 12 months through 12 years of age.

What if my baby is too young for the measles vaccine?

High immunization rates in a community protects those who are too young to be vaccinated, including infants under 12 months of age. These infants are at the highest risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death due to measles. Find information on vaccines for infants age 6-12 months old during an outbreak or before international travel to a location with an active measles outbreak.

Is the measles vaccine safe?

Yes. Occasional side effects of the measles vaccine include fever, tenderness at the injection site and rash. Rare side effects include a temporary decrease in blood platelets. The measles vaccine does not cause autism. Getting the measles vaccine is much safer than getting the measles infection.

Last Updated 4/7/2025