• Confirmed measles cases in the US rise to 1,088, with Texas as the epicenter.
• Colorado reports a new outbreak linked to international travel.
• Public health officials urge increased vaccination to control the spread.

The current measles outbreak in the US has seen a slight increase, with confirmed cases rising to 1,088, marking an increase of 42 cases over the past week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Texas is experiencing the most significant impact, accounting for 738 of these cases as of May 30. This surge includes a tragic tally of three deaths attributed to measles within this outbreak, highlighting the severity of the situation, according to Indiatimes, Reuters, and Los Angeles Times.

Texas health officials reported a slight increase in cases, with nine new cases adding to the total. The epicenter of infections remains in Gaines County, which is home to 409 cases, primarily affecting an unvaccinated Mennonite community. Meanwhile, New Mexico has remained steady at 79 confirmed cases since the beginning of the outbreak, without significant changes, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

In addition to Texas, Colorado has reported a new outbreak, adding to the growing concern about measles in the region. Currently, there are seven cases confirmed in Colorado for 2025, including three connected cases from an international flight that landed at Denver International Airport. Health officials have indicated that all cases may have originated from this flight, signaling the ongoing risk of infections fueled by travel, as highlighted by the Colorado state health department and reported by Indiatimes and Los Angeles Times.

Despite the alarming rise in cases, there are signs that the outbreak in Texas may be slowing down, with fewer than 10 new cases reported in the past week. Experts remain cautious, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations, especially as the warmer months and travel season approach. “We need heightened awareness and vaccination,” stated Dr. Manisha Patel from the CDC. Ongoing vaccination campaigns are crucial as vaccination rates in some communities have declined significantly since the pandemic, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads easily through respiratory droplets. The CDC underscores the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing outbreaks. Current vaccination recommendations include the first dose for children between 12 and 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Children and communities with high vaccination rates generally see far fewer cases of measles, thanks to herd immunity, as noted by the CDC and reported by Indiatimes, Reuters, and Los Angeles Times.