Measles in 2025: What You Need to Know

The Outbreak: Measles Cases on the Rise

Measles, a disease once nearly eradicated in the United States, has reemerged as a public health concern in 2025. The year has seen significant outbreaks across the country, with the largest occurring in West Texas, where over 140 cases have been reported since late January. State and local health officials have confirmed that the majority of those infected are unvaccinated children and teenagers. Tragically, the outbreak has also resulted in the death of an unvaccinated school-aged child, highlighting the life-threatening nature of the disease.

The Texas outbreak is not an isolated incident. Cases have also been reported in other states, including New Mexico, New Jersey, Georgia, California, Rhode Island, Kentucky, and Alaska. This resurgence of measles underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect communities from preventable diseases. As health officials continue to monitor the situation, the message remains clear: measles is a highly contagious and dangerous disease that can be effectively prevented with vaccination.

How Deadly Is Measles? Understanding the Risks

Measles is far more than just a childhood illness with a rash and fever. Without vaccination, it can lead to severe complications and even death. According to health experts, 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalization. More alarming still, 1 in 1,000 people will develop encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that can result in permanent damage, and 3 in 1,000 will die from the disease.

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s, the disease was a major killer, claiming the lives of 400 to 500 Americans annually, mostly children. Today, the virus remains highly contagious, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The rapid spread of measles in under-vaccinated communities serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing unnecessary suffering and death.

Measles Symptoms: What to Look For

Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Initially, they may resemble those of other common illnesses, including fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A distinguishing feature of measles is the characteristic rash that develops a few days after the initial symptoms. This rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, often accompanied by a high fever that can reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from measles in young children, affecting as many as 1 in 20 children who contract the disease. Dr. Lara Johnson, chief medical officer at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, emphasized that measles is far more dangerous than the common rashes and fevers seen in childhood. “This is a much more serious illness with a much greater risk of serious complications,” she warned during a recent news conference.

Why the Outbreak? The Role of Declining Vaccination Rates

The recent measles outbreaks have raised concerns about declining vaccination rates in certain communities. Health officials point to lower rates of immunization as a key factor in the resurgence of the disease. In Texas, where the largest outbreak occurred, nearly all of the infected individuals were unvaccinated. This highlights the critical role of vaccines in preventing measles and protecting public health.

Experts warn that falling vaccination rates jeopardize herd immunity, the collective protection that prevents the spread of infectious diseases in a community. “What we’re seeing is completely preventable,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician at Johns Hopkins University. “The areas with the lowest vaccination rates are the ones experiencing outbreaks.” The decline in vaccination rates has been attributed to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, which have eroded public confidence in vaccines.

The Measles Vaccine: Safe, Effective, and Essential

Despite the challenges posed by misinformation, the measles vaccine remains one of the safest and most effective tools in preventing the disease. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which has been in use for decades. One dose of the vaccine is 93% effective in preventing measles, while two doses increase efficacy to 97%.

The vaccine not only protects individuals but also contributes to community immunity, shielding those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, such as people with weakened immune systems. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously expressed skepticism about vaccines, recently voiced support for the measles vaccine, acknowledging its critical role in preventing outbreaks.

When and Why to Get Vaccinated

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. This schedule allows the vaccine to be most effective after maternal antibodies, passed from mother to child, have faded.

For most people, the protection provided by the MMR vaccine lasts a lifetime. However, individuals born after 1957 but vaccinated before 1968 may need a booster shot, as earlier versions of the vaccine were less effective. Additionally, people working in healthcare, traveling overseas, or living in areas with active measles outbreaks may also benefit from a booster.

If vaccination records are unclear, Dr. Céline Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor, advises getting an additional dose. “There’s no harm in getting an extra dose,” she said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Conclusion: The Fight Against Measles Continues

Measles, once nearly eradicated, has reemerged as a public health threat in 2025. The outbreaks across the U.S. serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and communities. While the disease is highly contagious, it is also highly preventable with the safe and effective MMR vaccine.

As vaccination rates decline in some areas, public health officials are sounding the alarm about the risks of measles. The disease’s return highlights the need for continued education and advocacy to combat misinformation and restore confidence in vaccines. By understanding the risks of measles and the proven effectiveness of vaccination, we can work together to prevent future outbreaks and protect the most vulnerable among us.