Measles outbreak in the US alarms officials: It cannot be contained

Nine states in the US have gone on high alert due to a measles outbreak. The outbreak has led to one death and left many people ill. US health experts have pointed to falling vaccination rates as a significant factor in the spread of the outbreak.

Measles is a highly contagious disease transmitted through airborne droplets. In 2025, at least 173 Americans have contracted measles. This figure corresponds to more than half of the total number of cases from last year.

West Texas is experiencing its worst outbreak in the last 30 years. An unvaccinated child passed away earlier this week. This was recorded as the first death from measles in the US in the last decade. In New Mexico, nine cases have been reported. These cases were observed in both adults and school-aged children.

In Georgia, six members of a family living in the Atlanta area contracted measles. In California, measles was detected in a passenger arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. Three and two cases were reported in New Jersey and New York, respectively. One case each was also recorded in Alaska, Washington, and Kentucky.

VACCINATION RATES HAVE DROPPED

Experts blame the increase in vaccine exemptions for the spread of the outbreak. Vaccination rates are showing a decline, especially among school-aged children. Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, almost all children contracted this disease by the time they reached age 15. This situation caused approximately 4 million infections per year.

According to the CDC, measles used to hospitalize approximately 48 thousand Americans and kill as many as 500 annually. A total of 285 measles cases were reported in the US in 2023. In 2024, the vaccination rate among kindergarten students showed a decline for all vaccines. For the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, this rate fell to 93 percent.

The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that 91 percent of children have received the MMR vaccine. This rate remains below the 95 percent target required for herd immunity. The CDC emphasizes that 95 percent of the population must be vaccinated for herd immunity to be achieved.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MEASLES?

Measles is transmitted through droplets spread into the air during breathing, coughing, or sneezing. The disease causes small white spots inside the mouth, red rashes on the body, ear infections, and high fever. Symptoms similar to the common cold can be seen before the rash appears.

In severe cases, measles can lead to fatal complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). In Texas, at least 146 people have contracted measles and 20 have been hospitalized. The vast majority of cases were seen in the Mennonite community, where vaccination rates are low.

As of February 28, 146 cases were reported in Texas. Most of the cases were detected in Gaines County, on the New Mexico border. To prevent the spread of the outbreak, vaccination campaigns need to be increased and the public needs to be raised in awareness.