CDC Sounds The Alarm As Measles Spreads Across The US — Are You At Risk?

Measles, a highly contagious but preventable disease, is spreading in rural West Texas, causing concern among health officials. Although measles is rare in the US due to vaccinations, it is appearing in communities with low immunization rates.

Last week, an unvaccinated child died from the disease, and more than 150 cases have been reported. This is the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has sent experts to Texas to help investigate and control the outbreak.

Measles Cases Reported in the US

Texas has the highest number of cases, but infections have also been reported in New Mexico, where nine people have been diagnosed. Health officials there say these cases are not directly linked to the Texas outbreak.

Measles cases have also been found in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases. In 2025, three measles outbreaks have been recorded in the US, mainly due to travellers bringing the virus from other countries and spreading it in unvaccinated communities.

What is Measles and How Does It Spread?

Measles is a virus that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly contagious.

Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after infection. They start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a red rash appears, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, and dehydration, especially in vulnerable people.

Who Is Most at Risk?Young children, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems are most at risk of serious illness from measles. Those who are unvaccinated are the most vulnerable to infection.

Although measles was eliminated in the US in 2000 due to vaccines, low vaccination rates in some areas have led to new outbreaks.

How to Stay Safe

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—one for children 12–15 months old and another for children 4–6 years old.

Adults who are unsure if they are vaccinated should get a blood test or a booster shot. In outbreak areas, health officials may advise extra vaccinations to stop the spread.

Besides vaccination, washing hands often and avoiding contact with infected people can help reduce the risk.

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