• Over 700 measles cases reported in the U.S. in 2025, with Texas being the epicenter.
• Confirmed cases in Texas rose to 561, with two deaths linked to the outbreak.
• The outbreak is tied to low vaccination rates and underreporting of cases, according to the CDC.
• Measles is highly contagious and primarily affects unvaccinated individuals.
• Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations to curb the spread of the disease.

The United States is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with reported cases exceeding 700 as of mid-April 2025. Texas is at the center of this outbreak, where confirmed cases have reached 561, reflecting an increase of 20 new cases within a recent five-day period. Notably, two unvaccinated children have succumbed to measles-related complications, marking a worrying trend in the resurgence of this previously eliminated disease, according to Los Angeles Times.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported that nearly all confirmed cases are among unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status remains unknown. Out of the hospitalizations due to measles in Texas, at least 58 individuals have required medical attention. A significant concentration of cases is in Gaines County, which alone has documented 364 of the 561 cases, highlighting the localized nature of the outbreak, Reuters.

Health authorities are also cautioning that many cases may be going unreported. Dr. David Sugerman from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that underreporting is a significant concern, especially in close-knit communities where individuals might not seek medical care, resulting in many cases remaining untested and undiagnosed. This underreporting could lead to an even larger outbreak than currently acknowledged, according to CBS News.

The CDC has observed that vaccination rates, particularly among school-age children, have declined in recent years. As such, the organization is deploying additional resources to help manage the outbreak and curb its expansion. Sugerman mentioned that the agency is also exploring innovative strategies for increasing testing and tracking, including wastewater surveillance for viral pathogens, as part of their efforts to understand the full scope of the outbreak in Texas and neighboring states, Forbes.

Aside from Texas, outbreaks have also been reported in Arkansas, Hawaii, Indiana, and several other states. This reflects a concerning trend of diseases previously thought to be eliminated in the U.S. making a resurgence due to declining vaccination coverage and misinformation regarding vaccines. The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for optimal protection against measles. Vaccination remains vitally important, especially in communities witnessing outbreaks, according to ABC News.