Saturday, May 17, 2025
As millions of Americans prepare to travel this summer, the United States is grappling with a significant surge in measles cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of confirmed measles infections has reached 1,024 cases nationwide in 2025, a worrying increase that is compounded by multiple active outbreaks across the country.
Nationwide Spread and Active Outbreaks
Measles cases have been confirmed in 30 states, with 11 states currently experiencing active outbreaks. These states include Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.
Texas remains the epicenter of the outbreak, reporting over 700 confirmed cases this year, according to the Texas Health and Human Services department. This figure highlights the severity of the situation, as Texas alone accounts for the majority of U.S. measles cases in 2025.
The Impact of Increased Travel on Measles Spread
The rise in measles cases coincides with a significant increase in summer travel, raising concerns about further virus transmission. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that more than 45 million Americans will travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, including approximately 3.6 million air travelers.
Former CDC acting director, Dr. Richard Besser, emphasizes the challenges of containing infectious diseases during such times: “One thing about infectious diseases, they don’t respect borders. So, measles will travel.” The highly contagious nature of measles means that as people move across the country and internationally, the virus can spread rapidly if adequate precautions are not taken.
Severity of the Outbreak: Hospitalizations and Deaths
The 2025 measles outbreak is not only notable for the rising case numbers but also for its severity. The CDC reports 128 hospitalizations due to measles this year, surpassing the total hospitalizations recorded during all of 2024.
Tragically, there have also been three confirmed deaths from measles in the U.S. this year. These figures underscore the potential severity of measles infections, which can lead to serious complications, particularly among young children, the elderly, and immuno-compromised individuals.
How Measles Spreads and Prevention Strategies
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours, making transmission in crowded places such as airports, public transport, and mass gatherings a significant risk.
The CDC strongly advocates vaccination as the most effective method to prevent measles infection. The recommended MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) requires two doses to provide approximately 97% protection against the virus.
Dr. Andrew Pekosz, virologist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, stresses that vaccinated individuals face very little risk from the current outbreaks, while unvaccinated people remain highly susceptible to infection.
Declining Vaccination Rates and Vaccine Hesitancy
A concerning factor exacerbating the measles resurgence is the decline in vaccination coverage. Data from the CDC indicates that during the 2023-2024 school year, 92.7% of kindergarteners received the MMR vaccine, a drop from 95.2% in the 2019-2020 school year.
This decline reflects growing vaccine skepticism and misinformation, which public health officials warn could undermine herd immunity and facilitate the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.
Dr. Besser highlights the community implications of individual vaccination choices: “While it’s a personal decision to vaccinate, that personal decision not only affects you and your child. It affects your neighbors. It affects others in your family, and that is what is so concerning.”
Government and Public Health Responses
Federal and state public health agencies continue to monitor outbreaks closely and respond with targeted vaccination campaigns, educational outreach, and travel advisories.
The CDC’s official measles webpage offers up-to-date information on current outbreaks, vaccination recommendations, and guidance for travelers. It emphasizes that anyone planning travel, especially to areas with known outbreaks, should ensure they are fully vaccinated.
Similarly, state health departments, such as Texas Health and Human Services, provide localized alerts and vaccination clinic information to contain the virus’s spread.
Protecting Yourself and Your Community This Summer
The CDC and other public health experts urge travelers and families to take the following precautions:
- Ensure full vaccination: Confirm that you and your children have received two doses of the MMR vaccine as per CDC guidelines.
- Check vaccination records before travel: Vaccinated individuals are well-protected, but those who are unvaccinated or unsure should seek medical advice.
- Practice good hygiene: Frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can reduce infection risk.
- Stay informed about outbreak areas: Use CDC and state health department resources to stay updated on measles activity in your destination.
- Consult healthcare providers: If symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash develop, seek prompt medical attention and inform providers of recent travel.
Conclusion
As summer travel reaches new heights in 2025, the resurgence of measles across the United States poses a significant public health challenge. With over 1,000 confirmed cases spanning 30 states and severe consequences including hospitalizations and deaths, the CDC underscores vaccination as the cornerstone of prevention.
Travelers and communities alike must heed vaccination advice and maintain vigilance to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease. Government agencies continue to provide resources and support to safeguard public health, emphasizing that measles prevention is a shared responsibility.
