Despite some hopeful signs, measles continues to spread across the U.S., with the country approaching 1,200 confirmed cases this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national tally hit 1,197 as of Friday. But there was a silver lining: health officials in Ohio declared three outbreaks in two counties officially over.

Measles Remains a Serious Threat

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. Although preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, the disease is making a comeback in areas with low vaccination rates.

Since January, outbreaks have erupted in at least nine U.S. states, with three confirmed deaths — two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico. All were unvaccinated.

Where Are the Outbreaks Happening?

Here’s a breakdown of current measles activity by state:

Texas

Texas has been hit hardest, with 744 cases across 35 counties — most in West Texas. Gaines County alone has seen 411 cases in a largely undervaccinated Mennonite community. Two children have died, including an 8-year-old in April and a 6-year-old in February. State officials estimate fewer than 10 current cases are actively infectious.

New Mexico

The state has reported 81 total cases, with seven hospitalizations and one death — an unvaccinated adult who did not seek care. Most cases are in Lea County, with smaller numbers in several others.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma has 16 confirmed and three probable cases. The state hasn’t released details about which counties are affected.

Arizona

Arizona has four confirmed cases in Navajo County, all linked to recent international travel. None of the individuals were vaccinated.

Colorado

Colorado has seen 14 cases this year, including an eight-case outbreak tied to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed in Denver in May. Cases have been reported in Arapahoe, El Paso, and Denver counties, among others.

Illinois

Illinois confirmed an eight-case outbreak in the far southern part of the state. Two additional, unrelated cases were found in Cook County.

Kansas

Kansas has recorded 76 cases across 11 counties, mainly in the southwest. Three people have been hospitalized.

Montana

Montana reported its first measles cases in 35 years, with 20 confirmed. Gallatin County is the main hotspot, but other cases are spread across four counties.

North Dakota

North Dakota now has 34 cases, its first since 2011. The largest clusters are in Williams, Grand Forks, and Cass counties. All patients were unvaccinated.

Other U.S. states reporting sporadic cases this year include:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Canada and Mexico Also Battling Outbreaks

The measles problem isn’t limited to the U.S.

• Ontario, Canada is seeing its longest-running outbreak, with 2,083 cases and one infant death reported as of June 10.
• Alberta has recorded 868 cases.
• Mexico’s Chihuahua state has reported 2,179 cases and four deaths.

How Is Measles Spreading?

Most U.S. outbreaks begin with someone infected abroad who brings the virus back to a community with low vaccination coverage. According to the CDC, imported cases have more than doubled compared to the same time last year — largely from unvaccinated Americans returning home.

In 2019, the U.S. came dangerously close to losing its “measles elimination” status due to a surge in cases.

What to Know About the MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and the best defense against measles. Children should receive:

• The first dose between 12 and 15 months
• A second dose between 4 and 6 years old

Adults who are unsure of their immunity can safely receive another dose. Those vaccinated before 1968 with a “killed” virus version of the vaccine should get revaccinated. People born before 1957 likely have natural immunity.

High community vaccination rates — ideally above 95% — help create “herd immunity,” protecting even those who can’t be vaccinated. Unfortunately, U.S. childhood vaccination rates have dropped since the pandemic, with more parents claiming personal or religious exemptions.

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

Measles starts like a bad cold:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

Three to five days later, a rash appears — starting on the face and spreading down the body. The fever can spike over 104°F during this time.

While most kids recover, complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain inflammation, or even death can occur — especially in young children and unvaccinated individuals.

Is There a Cure?

There’s no direct treatment for measles. Medical care focuses on relieving symptoms, staying hydrated, and preventing complications.

Source: AP News – US measles count nears 1,200 cases as Ohio officials confirm 3 outbreaks are over

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As measles spreads rapidly across North America, public health officials are sounding the alarm over rising infections — and mounting fatalities — in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Infants and Children Among the Victims

In a heartbreaking case out of Ontario, Canada, health officials confirmed this week that a premature infant has died after contracting measles in utero. The baby’s mother had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and doctors say the infection may have contributed to the premature birth and death, though other unrelated health complications were also involved.

South of the border, Mexico has reported four measles-related deaths in 2025. The United States has seen three fatalities so far this year: two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico — all unvaccinated.

A Resurgence Not Seen in Decades

Health authorities are grappling with the largest measles outbreaks in decades. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Mexico has recorded over 1,500 cases, while Canada has already surpassed all combined totals from the past 27 years with at least 2,755 cases, the majority in Ontario.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has logged at least 1,168 cases in 2025, according to federal data released Friday. Nearly 80% of these are tied to an outbreak that began in West Texas and has since spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and possibly Canada. It’s the second-highest case count in the U.S. since measles was officially declared eliminated in 2000.

Why Is This Happening?

The World Health Organization has declared the measles threat across the Americas as “high,” largely due to low vaccination rates.

Many outbreaks have been centered in Mennonite communities, which often have lower immunization coverage due to limited interaction with mainstream healthcare systems. In Mexico, the outbreak began in Chihuahua, home to a large Mennonite population, and closely connected to similar communities in Texas and Canada.

However, officials from PAHO clarified during a recent briefing that while the outbreaks originated in similar communities, most of the ongoing spread is now happening in the general population.

No Clear Genetic Link — Yet

Despite the cross-border spread, health experts caution that there’s currently no confirmed genetic evidence directly linking outbreaks across the three countries. Only a small portion of cases have had their viral genomes sequenced, making it difficult to track precise transmission chains.

Travel Warnings and Vaccine Urgency

With international travel amplifying the risk of spread, Mexico issued a travel advisory in April for those heading to the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also updated its guidance, urging anyone planning international travel to ensure they’ve received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Ontario’s chief medical officer, Dr. Kieran Moore, reinforced this message Thursday, particularly for those who may become pregnant:

“Anyone who is unvaccinated is at risk, and I urge everyone — especially those who may become pregnant — to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which will protect both a parent and baby. This vaccine has been safely used for over 50 years and is highly effective. Two doses provide nearly 100 percent protection.”

Source: CNN – As measles spreads across the Americas, outbreaks in Mexico and Canada have also turned deadly

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Health officials in New Jersey are urging anyone who attended last week’s Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium to watch for measles symptoms. This comes after it was confirmed that an infectious person was present at the event.

While there’s no confirmed measles outbreak in New Jersey, the U.S. and parts of North America are seeing a rise in cases this year — including hundreds of infections in West Texas. This surge comes as vaccination rates, which protect 97% of people after two doses, have been dropping.

Measles outbreaks are especially common in places like schools and daycares. For example, three public schools in western North Dakota recently sent all unvaccinated students home for 21 days after exposure, following state law.

Here’s a simple guide to understanding measles and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

What’s Going On with Measles in the U.S.?

Most children in the U.S. get vaccinated before starting school, but more people are skipping shots for personal or religious reasons. This has caused outbreaks across 30 states so far this year, with over 1,000 cases and 11 states reporting outbreaks (three or more linked cases).

The largest outbreaks are in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Canada and Mexico are also seeing significant increases.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. It mainly affects children but can infect anyone.

“On average, one infected person may pass measles to about 15 others,” says Scott Weaver, a virus expert. “Very few viruses spread this easily.”

Symptoms start in the respiratory tract and then spread throughout the body. Early signs include a high fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A distinctive red rash appears a few days later, starting on the face and spreading downward. When the rash shows up, the fever can spike above 104°F.

There’s no specific cure for measles, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and preventing complications.

Can Measles Be Deadly?

While most people recover, measles can be serious, especially for unvaccinated individuals. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated Americans with measles end up hospitalized. Complications include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and, rarely, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), which can cause lasting damage.

Pregnant women without immunity risk premature birth or low birth weight babies.

“Children are most vulnerable to severe illness,” says Weaver. Pneumonia is the leading cause of measles-related deaths.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The best protection is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). The first dose is recommended at 12-15 months old, and the second between 4-6 years old.

Before the vaccine was developed in the 1960s, nearly everyone caught measles. The vaccine is safe, effective, and has decades of proven success.

“We could stop outbreaks if 95% of the population were vaccinated,” Weaver explains. “Unfortunately, many areas have fallen below this crucial threshold.”

Vaccination rates have dropped since the COVID-19 pandemic, putting communities at higher risk.

Do You Need a Booster Shot?

Generally, people who got both MMR doses are protected for life. Testing for immunity is possible, and a booster may be recommended if antibody levels are low or if you are in an outbreak area.

Adults who received a live vaccine in the 1960s don’t need revaccination. But those who got an earlier, less effective killed-virus vaccine before 1968 should get at least one MMR dose now.

People who had measles before or were born before 1957 usually have immunity and don’t require vaccination.

If you have underlying health issues or live with someone at risk, talk to your doctor about whether a booster shot is a good idea.

Bottom Line:

Measles spreads fast but is preventable. Staying up to date with the MMR vaccine is the safest way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

If you attended the Shakira concert or have concerns about exposure, monitor symptoms closely and consult your healthcare provider.

Stay informed. Stay safe.

Source: AP News – Measles is very contagious. Here’s how to avoid it

The post Measles Warning: What You Need to Know Right Now appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Seminole, Texas — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited the heart of Texas’ growing measles outbreak on Sunday — the same day a funeral was held for a second young child who died from complications tied to the disease.

Kennedy, who was once known for his anti-vaccine stance, shared on social media that he traveled to Gaines County “to help control the outbreak” and offer comfort to grieving families. He was seen outside a local Mennonite church where the child’s funeral took place, but did not attend a nearby CDC press briefing.

The outbreak, centered in Seminole, began in late January and shows no sign of slowing. Texas now reports nearly 500 cases, with infections believed to have spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and even Mexico.

The most recent victim — a child with no underlying health conditions — died Thursday from measles pulmonary failure, according to state health officials. The child had been receiving treatment at UMC Health System in Lubbock.

This marks the third death linked to the outbreak:

• A young child in Texas
• An adult in New Mexico
• And now, another young child in Seminole

None of the individuals who died were vaccinated.

Kennedy, who took office earlier this year, had previously resisted calls to promote vaccinations. But in a shift, he acknowledged in a statement posted to X that vaccination is “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine has been safely used for over 60 years and is 97% effective after two doses.

Still, Kennedy’s earlier vaccine skepticism, combined with mixed messaging from officials, has raised concerns among public health experts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that a new team was sent to the region on Sunday, after a previous team departed April 1. Dr. Manisha Patel, leading the new response, urged families not to delay seeking care for children showing symptoms.

“Call your doctor,” Patel said. “A healthcare professional can guide you on the next steps.”

Despite the urgency, official CDC statements stopped short of urging the public to get vaccinated — instead calling it a “personal decision” while emphasizing the need to be informed about vaccine risks and benefits.

Between March 28 and April 4, Texas saw 81 new measles cases and 16 additional hospitalizations. Nationwide, the U.S. has already surpassed the total number of measles cases reported in all of 2024 — and it’s only April.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and liver specialist who voted to confirm Kennedy, sharply criticized the response, writing on X:

“Everyone should be vaccinated! There is no treatment for measles. No benefit to getting measles.”

Cassidy has asked Kennedy to testify before the Senate health committee this Thursday. It remains unclear whether Kennedy will appear.

Medical staff in Lubbock report treating children with vitamin A toxicity, linked to attempts by some families to treat measles with high doses of the supplement — a method unsupported by doctors.

Dr. Lara Johnson of Covenant Children’s Hospital said parents reported using vitamin A to prevent or treat measles. Doctors emphasize that such supplements should only be given under medical supervision.

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Marks, the former FDA vaccine chief ousted after clashing with Kennedy, placed blame on current leadership.

“These are needless deaths,” Marks told the Associated Press. “Vaccination is how you prevent people from dying of measles.”

The CDC warns that if the outbreak continues, the U.S. could lose its measles elimination status, a designation it earned in 2000.

With declining childhood vaccination rates and cases spreading across state lines, experts predict this outbreak may last months — or even into next year.

Measles is highly contagious. It can live in the air for up to two hours, and 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will get infected. The CDC recommends the first MMR dose between 12–15 months, and the second between 4–6 years.

Source: AP News – RFK Jr. visits epicenter of Texas measles outbreak after death of second child who was infected

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The measles outbreak in Gaines County, Texas, has doubled in size, reaching 48 confirmed cases, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on Friday. The outbreak, first identified in late January, has been steadily growing.

Rising Case Numbers Across Counties

• Gaines County: 42 cases (the epicenter of the outbreak).
• Terry County: 3 cases.
• Yoakum County: 2 cases.
• Lynn County: 1 case.

Health officials warn that more cases are expected due to the highly contagious nature of measles.

Who is Affected?

• All cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
• Most infections are in children aged 5 to 17 years.
• Symptoms appeared within the last three weeks.
• Hospitalizations: 13 patients have required hospital care.

Measles Spreading Beyond Texas

The outbreak has crossed state lines into Lea County, New Mexico, where three cases have been confirmed this week.

• The first case involved an unvaccinated teenager.
• The vaccination status of the other two cases remains unknown.
• Health officials suspect the New Mexico cases are linked to the Texas outbreak.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include:
Fever
Cough
Red eyes
Rash

In severe cases, measles can lead to blindness, pneumonia, or encephalitis (brain swelling). It can also be fatal.

Low Vaccination Rates in Gaines County

• Nearly 1 in 5 kindergarteners (18%) in Gaines County did not receive the MMR vaccine in the 2023-24 school year.
• This is one of the highest vaccine exemption rates in Texas, increasing the risk of outbreaks.

Efforts to Control the Outbreak

The Texas health department is collaborating with:

• South Plains Public Health District
• Lubbock Public Health

Free Vaccination Clinics

Texas:

• 80+ people have received free MMR vaccinations at clinics in Gaines County.
• Clinics are now open 7 days a week.

New Mexico:

• Free vaccines available at public health clinics in Lea County for the next two weeks.

Measles on the Rise in the U.S.

• 285 cases were reported nationwide in 2023, the highest since 2019.
• Measles cases in 2024: Reported in Texas, Alaska, New Mexico, Georgia, Rhode Island, and New York City.
• U.S. vaccination rates falling:
  • A record 125,000 kindergarteners lacked at least one required vaccine last year.
  • The U.S. goal is 95% MMR vaccine coverage in kindergarteners, but the country has missed this target for four years in a row.

Takeaway

With low vaccination rates and rising cases, health officials urge immediate vaccination to prevent further spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.

Get vaccinated. Protect yourself. Stop the spread.

Source

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