Measles Outbreak in Arizona
Health officials in Arizona have reported four connected cases of measles in Navajo County, marking the state’s first outbreak of the year.
Last week, the U.S. added 122 new measles cases—though only four were in Texas—while the outbreaks in Pennsylvania and Michigan have officially concluded.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted there are now 1,168 confirmed cases of measles across the nation. In Texas, where the most significant outbreak occurred during late winter and spring, health officials announced they would provide case counts just once a week, indicating a slowdown in the outbreak.
North America is currently experiencing three additional major outbreaks. The longest is in Ontario, Canada, where 2,009 cases have been reported from mid-October to June 3. Unfortunately, the province recorded its first death on Thursday, involving a baby who had congenital measles along with other health issues.
Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has affected 761 individuals as of Thursday. Meanwhile, the Mexican state of Chihuahua reported 1,940 cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to local health officials.
In the U.S., several states are still dealing with active outbreaks, defined by the CDC as having three or more related cases. These include Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and Oklahoma.
This year, measles has resulted in the deaths of two elementary school-aged children in West Texas and one adult in New Mexico, all of whom were unvaccinated.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus and easily spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It’s preventable through vaccination and was considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000.
Measles Cases in Texas
Texas has reported a total of 744 cases across 35 counties, mostly concentrated in West Texas as of Tuesday. Throughout this outbreak, 96 individuals have required hospitalization.
State health officials estimate that less than 1% of active cases—fewer than 10—remain infectious. A staggering 55% of cases are located in Gaines County, where the virus emerged in a tightly-knit, under-vaccinated Mennonite community. Since late January, there have been 411 cases in the county, affecting nearly 2% of its residents.
The Texas outbreak tragically resulted in the death of an 8-year-old child on April 3, described by local health officials as having died from “measles pulmonary failure.” Earlier in the year, a 6-year-old unvaccinated child also succumbed to the illness.
Measles Cases in New Mexico
As of Tuesday, New Mexico reported a steady count of 81 cases, with seven people hospitalized since the outbreak began. Most cases are concentrated in Lea County, with fewer reported in surrounding areas.
An unvaccinated adult died from a measles-related illness on March 6 after not seeking medical help.
Measles Cases in Oklahoma
Oklahoma added one new case on Tuesday, bringing the total to 16 confirmed cases and three probable ones, although specific counties with cases haven’t been disclosed.
Measles Cases in Arizona
Arizona’s four cases in Navajo County are all linked to a single source; all individuals are unvaccinated and have traveled internationally recently.
Measles Cases in Colorado
So far in 2025, Colorado has confirmed 14 cases, including one outbreak of eight related cases, stemming from a Turkish Airlines flight that landed in Denver mid-May.
Measles Cases in Illinois
Illinois health officials confirmed an outbreak of four cases in the far southern part of the state on May 5, which has now grown to eight cases as of June 6.
Measles Cases in Kansas
Kansas reported 71 cases across 11 counties, mainly in the southwestern region, alongside three hospitalizations. Most of these cases are connected, particularly in Gray County.
Measles Cases in Montana
Montana has documented 17 cases, with the majority occurring in Gallatin County, the site of the first cases in 35 years.
Measles Cases in North Dakota
North Dakota has experienced a resurgence with 34 cases as of Friday, all of whom were unvaccinated. Two have been hospitalized, and cases are documented in various counties along the Minnesota and Canadian borders.
Measles Cases in Ohio
Ohio remains stable with 34 reported cases and one hospitalization, divided between two outbreaks in Ashtabula County and Knox County.
Measles Cases in Tennessee
Tennessee’s outbreak seems to be over with six cases reported since early May, and no new cases for the past six weeks.
Other Measles Cases in the U.S.
Cases have also surfaced in states from Alaska to Washington. Previous outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have been declared over by health officials, who noted that many cases and outbreaks are traced back to individuals who contracted the disease abroad.
MMR Vaccine Information
The most effective way to prevent measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC recommends that children receive the first shot between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. For adults, getting an additional MMR shot can be safe, particularly if immunity is in question.
High vaccination rates—over 95%—help impede the spread of measles through “herd immunity,” though recent trends show a decline in childhood vaccination rates.
Measles Symptoms
Measles typically begins with respiratory symptoms before spreading throughout the body, leading to high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a rash that appears several days after initial symptoms.
While most children recover, complications can include pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and even death.
Treatment Options for Measles
Currently, there’s no specific treatment for measles; however, doctors focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications to keep patients comfortable.
