Iowa Measles Outbreak Amid US Surge: 1,200+ Cases

Iowa announced the state’s first measles outbreak on thursday, while Georgia confirmed its second outbreak on Wednesday. The U.S. has logged fewer than 20 measles cases this week.

there have been 1,214 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. this year, according too the Centers for Disease Control adn Prevention, as of Friday.Six cases were confirmed in Texas in the last week, were the largest outbreak raged during the late winter and spring.

• Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air.
• Unvaccinated individuals are most at risk.
• Outbreaks are occurring in multiple states and Canada.

Measles outbreaks are a growing concern across North America, with several states reporting cases. The highly contagious virus has caused 1,214 confirmed cases in the U.S. this year, as of Friday, according to the CDC.

Major Outbreaks in North america

There are three other major outbreaks in North America. The longest outbreak, in Ontario, canada, has resulted in 2,179 cases from mid-October through June 17. The province logged its first death on June 5 in a baby who had congenital measles and other preexisting conditions.

Another outbreak in Alberta, Canada, has sickened 996 people as of Thursday. The Mexican state of Chihuahua had 2,335 measles cases and four deaths as of Friday, according to data from the state health ministry.

Other U.S. states with active outbreaks include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oklahoma.

Measles Fatalities in the U.S.

In the U.S.,two elementary school-aged children in West Texas,and an adult in New Mexico have died of measles this year. All were unvaccinated.

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus spread through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and the U.S. has considered it eliminated since 2000.

Did you know?-Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning the disease was no longer constantly present. Though, imported cases and subsequent spread can still occur in undervaccinated communities.

How Many Measles Cases are There in Texas?

There are a total of 750 cases across 35 counties in Texas, with most in West Texas, according to state health officials on Tuesday.

Throughout the outbreak, 97 people have been hospitalized.

state health officials estimate that less than 1% of cases, fewer than 10, are actively infectious. Fifty-five percent of Texas’ cases are in Gaines County, where the virus started spreading in a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community. The county has had 413 cases since late January – just under 2% of its residents.

Health Secretary Robert F. kennedy Jr.confirmed the April 3 death in Texas was an 8-year-old child. Local health officials said the child did not have underlying health conditions and died of “what the child’s doctor described as measles pulmonary failure.” A 6-year-old unvaccinated child with no underlying conditions died of measles in Texas in late February, according to Kennedy.

How Many measles Cases are There in New Mexico?

New Mexico had a total of 81 cases as of Friday.

Seven people have been hospitalized since the outbreak started. Most of the state’s cases are in Lea County. Sandoval County near Albuquerque has six cases, Eddy County has three, Doña Ana County has two. Chaves, Curry, and San Juan counties each have one case.

An unvaccinated adult died of measles-related illness on March 6. The person did not seek medical care.

Pro tip:-If you are unsure about your vaccination status, contact your doctor or local health department. Blood tests can determine if you have immunity to measles.

How Many Cases are there in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma added one case Friday for a total of 17 confirmed and three probable cases.

The state health department is not releasing which counties have cases.

How Many Cases are There in Arizona?

Arizona has four cases in Navajo County. they are linked to a single source, the county health department said June 9. All four were unvaccinated and had a history of recent international travel.

How Many Cases are There in colorado?

Colorado has seen a total of 16 measles cases in 2025,which includes one outbreak of 10 related cases.

The outbreak is linked to a Turkish Airlines flight that landed at Denver International Airport in mid-May.Four of the people were on the flight with the first case, while five got measles from exposure in the airport and one elsewhere.

Health officials are also tracking an unrelated case in a Boulder County resident. The person was fully vaccinated but had “recently traveled to Europe, where there are a large number of measles cases,” the state health department said.

Other counties that have seen measles this year include Archuleta and Pueblo.

How Many Cases are There in Georgia?

Georgia has an outbreak of three cases in metro Atlanta, with the most recent infection confirmed Wednesday.

The state has confirmed six total cases in 2025. The remaining three are part of an unrelated outbreak from January.

How Many Cases are There in Illinois?

Illinois health officials confirmed a four-case outbreak on May 5 in the far southern part of the state. It grew to eight cases as of June 6,but no new cases were reported in the following weeks,according to the Illinois Department of public Health.

The state’s other two cases so far this year were in Cook county and are unrelated to the southern Illinois outbreak.

How Many Cases are There in Iowa?

Iowa has had six total measles cases in 2025.

Four are part of an outbreak in eastern Johnson County, among members of the same household. County health officials said the people are isolating at home, so they don’t expect additional spread.

How Many Cases are There in Kansas?

Kansas has a total of 79 cases across 11 counties in the southwestern part of the state, with three hospitalizations. All but three of the cases are connected, and most are in Gray County.

How Many Cases are There in Montana?

Montana had 22 measles cases as of Friday. Fourteen were in Gallatin County, where the first cases appeared, which was montana’s first cases in 35 years.

flathead and yellowstone counties had two cases each, and Hill County had four cases.

There are outbreaks in neighboring North Dakota and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and saskatchewan.

How Many Cases are There in North Dakota?

North Dakota, which hadn’t seen measles as 2011, had 34 cases as of June 6, but has held steady since. Two people have been hospitalized. All confirmed cases involved unvaccinated individuals.

There were 16 cases in Williams County on the Montana border. On the eastern side, there were 10 cases in Grand Forks County and seven in Cass County. Burke county, on the border of Saskatchewan, Canada, had one case.

Where Else is Measles Showing Up in the U.S.?

measles cases have also been reported this year in Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Health officials declared earlier outbreaks in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania over after six weeks of no new cases. Tennessee’s outbreak also appears to be over.

Cases and outbreaks in the U.S. are frequently traced to someone who caught the disease abroad. The CDC said in May that more than twice as many measles cases have come from outside the U.S. compared to May of last year.Most of these are in unvaccinated Americans returning home. In 2019, the U.S. saw 1,274 cases and almost lost its status of having eliminated measles.

What Do You Need to Know About the MMR Vaccine?

The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

Getting another MMR shot as an adult is harmless if there are concerns about waning immunity, the CDC says. People who have documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s don’t need revaccination, but people who were immunized before 1968 with an ineffective vaccine made from “killed” virus should be revaccinated with at least one dose, the agency said.

People with documentation of having measles are immune, and those born before 1957 generally don’t need the shots as they have “presumptive immunity.”

Measles has a harder time spreading through communities with high vaccination rates above 95% due to herd immunity. however,childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic,and more parents are claiming religious or personal conscience waivers to exempt their kids from required shots.

reader question:-Given the decline in vaccination rates, what measures can communities take to promote vaccination and prevent future measles outbreaks? Share your thoughts in the comments.

What are the Symptoms of Measles?

Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes, and a rash.

The rash generally appears three to five days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face and then spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash appears, the fever may spike over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the CDC.

Most kids will recover from measles, but infection can lead to risky complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.

How Can You Treat Measles?

There’s no specific treatment for measles, so doctors generally try to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and keep patients pleasant.

Measles: A Closer Look at Prevention and Protection

Measles outbreaks in the U.S. underscore the importance of vaccination. The disease is preventable, but highly contagious, so protection hinges on widespread immunity. Understanding the vaccine and how it works is vital.

To date, several states are dealing with measles outbreaks. These occurrences highlight the need for extensive strategies to boost vaccination rates by public health officials. Such a focus includes proactive measures to safeguard communities.

Benefits of the MMR Vaccine

• Highly Effective: The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
• long-Lasting Immunity: Protection from the MMR vaccine is generally lifelong.
• Reduces Complications: Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of serious complications like pneumonia or encephalitis.
• Protects Vulnerable Populations: Vaccination helps protect those who can’t be vaccinated.This includes infants too young, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.

Practical Tips for staying Protected

Several steps can enhance personal and community well-being against measles.

1. Get Vaccinated: Ensure you and your family members are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine.
2. Verify Vaccination Records: Check vaccination records, especially before traveling.
3. Consult your Doctor: Discuss your vaccination status and get informed advice.
4. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands regularly. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
5. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on local health alerts and outbreak information.

Myths vs. Facts About Measles and Vaccines

Misinformation can undermine public health efforts. Here is a reality check:

Myth	Fact
Measles is a harmless childhood disease.	Measles can lead to serious complications. These include pneumonia,brain swelling,and even death.
Vaccines cause autism.	Extensive scientific research has shown that there is no link between MMR vaccines and autism.
Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity.	Vaccines provide immunity without the risks of contracting the disease, which can be deadly. vaccines are safer and more effective than contracting the disease naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about measles and vaccines.

How many MMR shots do I need?

You need two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first dose is recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months, and a second dose at the age of 4 to 6 years.

What if I missed a dose?

If you missed or are unsure, consult your healthcare provider. They can definitely help determine your vaccination needs.

Can I get measles if I am vaccinated?

Vaccines are highly effective, but no vaccine is 100% effective. A small percentage of vaccinated individuals may contract measles.However, they typically experience a milder form of the disease.

Can you get the MMR vaccine if you’re pregnant?

No. Pregnant women should not get the MMR vaccine. Women should wait until after they’ve given birth to get vaccinated.

Where can I learn more?

Consult your doctor or local health department for reliable information and personalized advice.