Three months into 2025, measles cases in the U.S. have already exceeded the total number reported for all of last year.
The highly contagious disease continues to spread, with a multistate outbreak pushing the case count to 321 as of Tuesday.
Texas has reported the highest number with 279 cases, followed by New Mexico with 38. However, experts believe the actual number of cases is higher.
“It is very disappointing because we have the tools, the technology and the science to be able to prevent this disease,” said Dr. Jen Brull, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Health officials emphasize that vaccines can prevent measles, but vaccination rates continue to decline. Most U.S. measles cases this year are in individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
“What this tells us is, if more people were vaccinated, we would not be seeing a resurgence of measles in the United States today,” Brull said.
Measles can lead to severe complications, including hospitalization and death, particularly for young and unvaccinated children. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash of red spots.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in five unvaccinated people in the U.S. who contract measles will require hospitalization.
“If you’re not vaccinated, or if your child is not vaccinated, today is the day to call and make an appointment and talk to your doctor about the importance of vaccines and get started on that path,” Brull urged.
The CDC recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between four and six years old.
Older children and adults who have never been vaccinated can also receive the vaccine.