Measles cases continue to mount as 800 cases have now been confirmed across 25 states. The US is on pace to easily surpass the 1,274 infections recorded in 2019 , which was the worst year for measles since the US achieve measles elimination status in 2000. According to the CDC update this week, 94% of cases in 2025 are associated with outbreaks (defined as 3 or more connected cases).
To date, 96% of individuals infected were not vaccinated against the virus or have unknown vaccination status. Of the people infected, 85 had an infection severe enough to require hospitalization. Three of the patients have died.
In West Texas, the epicenter of the the nation’s largest outbreak, the virus continues to spread at a rapid pace, with 36 additional cases being reported since April 15. The state has confirmed 597 cases, 371 of which have occurred in Gaines County. The Texas outbreak has spread to nearby states including Kansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, as well as the country of Mexico. have also been linked to the West Texas outbreak. This week Kansas confirmed 5 additional infections, raising the state’s total so far to 37 cases.
Full Story: CIDRAP
