In the middle of a health crisis that is affecting most of the country, the measles outbreak has skyrocketed to over 1,000 cases across 30 states.
The CDC reported 1,046 cases of this once-eliminated disease, with Texas at the epicenter, counting 728 infections and two child deaths.
The measles outbreak gripping America represents the largest in three decades, with 96% of cases occurring among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Texas has reported 728 cases, including 94 hospitalizations and two tragic deaths among school-aged children from what health officials described as “measles pulmonary failure.”
This crisis extends beyond the borders, with significant outbreaks reported in neighboring countries: Ontario, Canada (1,795 cases), Alberta, Canada (538 cases), and Chihuahua, Mexico (1,578 cases and three deaths).
Dr. Manisha Patel of the CDC noted the outbreak is “leveling off” in the southwest U.S. (Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma), but warned of “a lot of global measles activity right now” that threatens American communities as travel season approaches.
New Mexico has confirmed 78 cases, mainly in Lea County, including one death, while Kansas reported 58 cases with genetic links to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
Moreover, the CDC has identified 14 separate measles outbreaks across the country in 2025 alone, highlighting the rapid spread of this preventable disease.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities,” the Texas Department of State Health Services advised.
Increased travel is amplifying the risks of transmission. An unvaccinated traveler potentially exposed people at Denver International Airport and a nearby hotel.
Another infected individual traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport while contagious, and a non-resident with measles attended a Shakira concert at MetLife Stadium, potentially exposing thousands.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, with new cases typically originating from abroad.
The disease is highly contagious and airborne. Ten to fourteen days after exposure, it causes fever, rash, cough, fatigue, runny nose, and red eyes. Complications can be severe or fatal for vulnerable populations, especially young children.
Health officials continue to emphasize the safety and effectiveness of the measles vaccine, which provides a 97% prevention rate with two doses.
Still, many American families have legitimate concerns about vaccine mandates and government overreach in healthcare decisions.
Parents deserve transparent information and the freedom to make informed choices about their children’s health without coercion or fear-mongering.
