Why measles is on the rise in the U.S. and measles protection

Once considered eliminated in 2000, measles is back in the news with a measles outbreak in Texas growing daily. Measles cases have also been reported in 8 other states, with three measles outbreaks reported in the U.S. in 2025.

Lower measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination levels among children are one of the main reasons measles is making a comeback. Recently, vaccination rates fell under 93% for the 2023-2024 school year. This leaves more children at risk of contracting the disease each year over the last three years, according to the CDC.

Measles symptoms and how it spreads

Measles is an illness that causes fever, coughing, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a red rash that covers the body. Measles is considered one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It’s spread through tiny respiratory particles that can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person was there.

The MMR vaccine

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is very effective in controlling measles outbreaks. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection. Two doses results in 97% effectiveness. (Two doses are given, usually 28 days apart.)

Breakthrough infections (when someone becomes infected after they have been vaccinated) can occur on rare occasions, especially in communities experiencing an outbreak where high levels of measles virus are circulating. However, cases are generally much less severe in people who contract measles after vaccination.

If your local community, college or a workplace reports an outbreak of measles or mumps, public health authorities may contact you to recommend an additional dose of the MMR vaccine.

Protection from mumps

Some communities are also experiencing a reemergence of mumps, due to low vaccination rates. Measles is more contagious than mumps, with a higher mortality rate, but mumps can also cause health complications.

Who should get the MMR vaccine

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices says that any school age child (from preschool to post high-school age) should receive the MMR vaccine.

• One vaccine is recommended for preschool aged children 12 months or older.
• Two doses are recommended for children age kindergarten through post high school education age.
• Check with your state to see what their specific requirements are.

If you're unsure whether you are up to date on the measles vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider. There is no harm in getting another dose of the vaccine if you may already be immune to measles (or mumps or rubella).

If you do not have the vaccine and are exposed to measles, talk to your care team about getting vaccinated. It is not harmful to get the vaccine after exposure.

If you’ve had an adverse reaction to other vaccines, talk to your care team before receiving the MMR vaccine. In addition, people with certain conditions should talk to their care team before getting vaccinated. These include people who have:

• Recently had a blood transfusion
• Severe allergies
• Tuberculosis
• Weakened immune systems
• Organ transplant patients

You may be naturally immune

If you were born prior to 1957 (before the MMR vaccine was available) you were more than likely exposed to or had measles. Because of this, experts presume you have natural immunity.

Why stopping measles now is important

The importance of receiving the vaccine is evident in the statistics. According to the CDC, about one in five unvaccinated people who catch measles requires hospitalization. Current statistics show that 20% of the cases currently reported were hospitalized. In addition, one death has been reported in the outbreak in Texas.

If you or your child gets the measles you can help stop the spread by staying away from others for at least four days after the rash appears or until your care team says it’s safe.

Complications of measles

Complications associated with measles include:

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• Pneumonia
• Low birth weight or preterm birth (in people who have measles during pregnancy), among other concerns
• Death

Some people are also more likely to have complications from measles. These people should be monitored closely if they contract measles:

• Adults 20 or older
• Infants and toddlers
• People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised)
• Pregnant people

A word about travel and measles

Before traveling, check for health advisories for your travel destination. Travelers may contract and even bring back measles when they travel to an area that is not well vaccinated. Keep this in mind and be sure to vaccinate before traveling.

School systems and higher educational institutions also require proof of MMR vaccination before admittance, so it's important to have your child vaccinated before they start public school.

We all have a role in stopping the uptick in measles cases. The best news is that once vaccinated, you are protected for life.