Measles cases are spreading across the United States following initial outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, with new cases now reported in other states, including Florida.
According to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 14, 2025, the total number of confirmed measles cases this year has reached 301.
Of the 301 cases, 93% are linked to the three major outbreaks reported in the U.S. this year. This marks the highest number of infections in a single year since the record surge in 2019.
By comparison, the CDC reported 16 outbreaks and 285 total cases in 2024, with 69% of those cases tied to outbreaks.
Measles is one of the most contagious airborne diseases. It usually starts with a fever, cough, runny nose, and pink eye two to four days before a rash appears.
The virus can cause serious complications, including death. According to the CDC, one infected person can spread the virus to about a dozen others in communities where vaccination rates are below 95%.
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the best protection against measles.
WHO advises getting two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective in preventing measles for life.
CDC data shows that most cases in 2025 have been reported in people aged 5 to 19, followed by children under 5 and adults over 20.
Most of those infected were either unvaccinated or did not disclose their vaccination status. Only 3% had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, and just 2% had received both doses.
This year, 50 people have been hospitalized due to measles, making up about 17% of confirmed cases. Two deaths have been reported—one in Texas and another under investigation in New Mexico.
Neither of the deceased individuals had been vaccinated. The last measles-related death in the U.S. was reported in 2019.
Measles cases have been confirmed in 14 states so far: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
More than 90% of this year’s cases have come from outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, where at least 284 infections have been reported.
In Florida, only one confirmed case has been reported in Miami-Dade County, according to the Florida Department of Health. The CDC is aware of additional cases being reported in multiple states, but the latest data only includes confirmed cases.
The rise in cases follows a CDC health advisory issued on March 7, 2025, warning health officials and travelers about the measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
Although measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to vaccination efforts, the CDC expects more cases as vaccination rates have declined between 2009 and 2024.
Despite the increase in cases, the CDC says the overall risk of a widespread outbreak remains low due to strong immunization and disease-tracking programs.
Federal, state, tribal, and local health agencies continue to monitor and respond to the situation closely.
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