Published: April 20, 2025 | ✍️ Author: GlobalWorldCitizen.com Newsroom | 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
The United States is grappling with its largest measles outbreak in over a decade, with 800 confirmed cases across 25 states, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Over the weekend, Louisiana, Missouri, and Virginia each confirmed their first measles cases of 2025, signaling a troubling national trend as the virus continues to spread.
Where Is the 2025 Measles Outbreak Spreading?
Texas is the epicenter of the outbreak, reporting 597 out of the 800 total U.S. cases.
Top Counties in Texas Affected:
Gaines County – 371 cases
Terry County – 52
Lubbock County – 42
Dawson County – 24
Yoakum County – 19
Cochran County – 12
Lamar County – 11
As of this update, 25 counties in Texas have confirmed measles infections.
Latest Developments in the U.S. Measles Outbreak
Louisiana: First case involves an unvaccinated adult linked to international travel.
Missouri & Virginia: Cases involve children with unclear vaccination status.
The CDC confirmed 800 total measles cases nationwide, nearly triple the total recorded in all of 2024 (285 cases).
New Mexico reports 63 cases, mostly in Lea County, which borders Texas.
Kansas follows with 37 cases, many genetically linked to Texas outbreaks.
Other impacted states (fewer than 10 cases): California, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New York, Michigan, Washington, and more.
Age Groups Affected in Texas (as of April 2025)
Children under 5: 182 cases
Children aged 5–17: 219 cases
Adults 18+: 172 cases
Unknown age: 24 cases
Hospitalizations and Deaths
62 people hospitalized in Texas alone
2 confirmed measles-related deaths:
An unvaccinated 8-year-old girl in Lubbock
A 6-year-old child earlier this year—the first U.S. measles death in a decade
Vaccination Status & Public Health Response
Only 22 of the 597 infected individuals in Texas were confirmed vaccinated
The vast majority were unvaccinated or uncertain
Fewer than 30 active infectious cases are currently tracked across the U.S.
Measles Symptoms to Watch For
Measles symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Early symptoms include:
High fever
Dry cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Fatigue
Skin rash (starting on the face and spreading)
GlobalWorldCitizen.com Insight:
“The 2025 Measles Surge Is a Global Public Health Wake-Up Call”
This outbreak underscores the critical importance of routine vaccinations, the threats posed by vaccine hesitancy, and the global nature of infectious disease transmission.
Key Takeaways:
Infectious diseases have no borders Global travel increases outbreak risk Vaccination is the world’s most powerful shield Surveillance, trust, and health education are crucial
Final Word from GlobalWorldCitizen.com
The 2025 U.S. measles outbreak is more than a domestic health crisis—it’s a global reminder that when one nation’s immunity falters, the whole world feels the impact.
At GlobalWorldCitizen.com, we remain committed to tracking:
Global infectious disease trends Vaccination coverage and equity Emergency health alerts
Global health system resilience
