Measles Cases Near 1,200 in the U.S. as Ohio Declares Three Outbreaks Over

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.