Why Is Measles Making a Comeback in the USA in 2025?

05/23/2025

Is there any Proven way to Prevent Measles Outbreaks Across the USA and Other Countries?

Vaccination and awareness can drastically reduce the risk of measles outbreaks. It is believed that when 95% of people in a community are immune to measles through MMR vaccination, people who are vaccinated and other unvaccinated individuals remain protected against it.

The vaccination rate for school-aged kids has fallen drastically from 95% In 2019 to 92% in 2023.  In Texas, the kindergarten vaccination rates have fallen below 95%, causing distress in the healthcare industry. The vaccination rate is around 82% in the community at the center of the West Texas outbreak. The steady decline in vaccination is reported in other states as well, making you prone to measles.

Of all cases, only 2% of people are recognized as fully vaccinated against it. A significant portion of people diagnosed with measles were unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or had no status.

Things to know about the Measles Virus

The recent outbreaks of the measles virus across the USA have raised the necessity of spreading awareness about its causes, symptoms, and prevention tips so that you and your family remain protected against this deadly virus. The number of cases of measles is expanding day by day, leaving people anxious and doubting the efficacy of the vaccine they received in their childhood. There are surely various ways by which you can reduce your overall risk and keep yourself safe. Let’s dig into the details:

The Measles Virus Spreads at a High Pace. 

Over the past years, a wide array of distinct communities have gone through outbreaks of the measles virus. The rate at which this virus spreads through the contaminated air is overwhelming and alarming. If you are in close contact with an infected person, you are at a high risk of developing it, too. The germs of the virus can dwell in the air for many hours after the person living with it either sneezes or coughs. Studies reveal that almost nine out of ten people with no immunity will get infected if exposed. This virus is deemed more contagious than Ebola, flu, and even COVID-19.

Early Diagnosis is also a Steep Challenge.

Symptoms associated with it usually take 7 to 14 days to surface from the day of getting infected. In the initial few days, you may stumble upon symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, and cough identical to other viral infections like flu or colds. After a few days into the aforementioned symptoms, you may come across painless tiny white spots, aka Koplik Spots, in the mouth. However, they are absent in many cases, and one may easily miss them. After one to two days, a distinctive skin rash starts to emerge.

People with measles are way more contagious for days before a skin rash starts. Other individuals, especially those in close contact, have already gotten infected by the time this virus is diagnosed, and preventive measures come into the practice. 

Measles can have Serious and Life-endangering Complications.

Measles can bring about serious complications if left unattended or untreated. If you come across any of its symptoms, it's highly paramount to get in touch with a certified doctor to reduce your overall risk of encountering its fatal consequences. It can result in the following serious complications:

• Encephalitis, also known as brain inflammation, can cause seizures, intellectual disability, hearing loss, seizures, etc.

• Eye inflammation

• Pneumonia

• Poor pregnancy outcomes, such as pregnancy loss

• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)

The following groups are considered at high risk of developing serious complications of measles virus: 

• Children below the age of 5 years

• Adults older than 20 years

• Pregnant ladies

• People living with an impaired/compromised immune system

Measles can be life-endangering, with the potential to be fatal in about three out of every 1,000 cases. In the latest outbreaks, 128 cases—approximately one in eight—have required hospitalization. 

Measles Can Weaken Your Immune System.

The immune system creates antibodies whenever you fall sick due to viral or bacterial infections. These antibodies will facilitate recognizing and defeating these pathogens in the future. A 2019 study carried out at Harvard Medical School recognized that measles possesses the potential to eliminate up to three-quarters of antibodies that offer protection against viruses and bacteria, such as various strains of flu, herpes virus, skin infections causing bacteria, etc, that you were immune to. 

Available Vaccine Offers Great Protection Against Measles

Two doses of the measles vaccine offer about 97% protection, which is much higher than other vaccines. Once you are fully vaccinated against measles, your chances of re-contracting this condition are significantly low. If you develop measles by any chance, the symptoms associated with it remain mild and are rarely transmitted to other people. The measles outbreak vaccine, i.e., MMR vaccine, is highly effective and offers a shield for the entire life.

The efficacy and effectiveness of the measles vaccine are excellent. However, you may stumble upon some common side effects, including low-grade fever, soreness at the injection site, and muscle pain. These side effects will wean off on their own in a while. "Measles and other vaccines can cause autism"; this statement has been discredited. This fake information has significantly impacted vaccination rates, increasing the chances of outbreaks and long-term serious consequences. 

Tips to Protect you Against the Measles Virus

In order to decrease your risk of getting the measles virus, abiding by the following guidelines can be of great help:

Opting for Vaccination:

Two doses of MMR vaccine are given to children, which offers lifetime protection against it. The first dosage of it is given around the age of 1, whereas the second dosage is given between the ages of 4 and 6 years. If you are not vaccinated, you can opt for these doses under the surveillance of your medic.

Isolation:

As mentioned earlier, measles spreads quickly, and symptoms take approximately 14 days to show up. If you are diagnosed with the measles virus, you should refrain from establishing close contact with people to contain the spread. If you are infected, limit your contacts for four days after the rash resolves.

Wearing a Mask:

Wearing a mask whenever you head out can reduce your overall risk of contracting it. If anyone is infected at your home, you should wear a mask as well.

Frequent Hand Washing:

Building a habit of washing hands frequently can drastically rule out your risk of getting and transmitting it to others.

Travel Planning: 

If you plan to travel to a place where measles is common or outbreaks happen frequently, ensure you are up to date with your vaccines and follow all the necessary precautions.

Read Also: Effectiveness of Older Measles Vaccines: Do They Still Provide Protection?

The Bottom Line:

The recent measles outbreaks and two confirmed deaths in the USA are alarming and stressful for everyone. 90% of cases are associated with the measles outbreaks in Texas. Health authorities say new cases are likely to occur across the USA. The decline in the vaccination rates is the real culprit behind it and will be the reason for all future outbreaks in all state counties. One recent study revealed that about 9 to 15 million children in the USA are at risk of developing measles. However, the good part is that it can be contained by opting for vaccination and abiding by the guidelines released by concerned authorities.  

Stay safe, follow the guidelines, and contain the spread.

FAQs:

1. Why is the measles coming back?

The primary reason behind the surge in measles cases is the decrease in vaccination rates and increased travel to foreign nations, resulting in imported cases and weekend immunities. The vaccination rates have been declining since the COVID-19 pandemic, and unvaccinated people are traveling to different cities and nations, increasing the spread of the disease.

2. Will you have measles again?

Your chances of re-developing measles are pretty low. Measles infections generally offer a lifelong shield, so your chances of getting it again are typically lower. Even if you re-develop it, the symptoms remain mild and can be managed at home.

3. How bad is the measles outbreak in the United States?

The USA has reported a total of 800 cases of measles, with 10 outbreaks in the first 16 weeks of 2025. The number of measles cases in the United States increased by about 180% compared to the 285 cases reported in 2024.

4. How did the measles outbreak start in 2025?

The CDC says that the increase in measles cases is due to fewer kindergartners getting vaccinated against the measles virus. Coverage has dropped below 95% over the years, which is needed to contain the measles virus. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are seen as 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is around 93% effective.