The ICD will continue to update this page as the situation evolves. Check back frequently!
Measles
Measles (rubeola) is more than “just a rash,” it’s a highly contagious viral illness that can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
- VaccineInformation.org: Measles Information
- HHS.gov: Measles Information
- NFID: Measles FAQ
- Healthy Children: Measles: What Parents Need to Know
With the rising outbreaks of measles across the United States, and the first measles-related death in a decade, it’s crucial to stay alert and informed. Understanding measles, its symptoms, and how to stay protected is essential for keeping our communities safe.
Cases, Current Outbreaks, News
- CDC: Measles Cases and Outbreaks
- AAP: Leaders Combating Misinformation Amid Measles Outbreak, Stress Importance of Vaccination
- Mina, et al. (2019). Measles Virus Infection Diminishes Preexisting Antibodies that Offer Protection from Other Pathogens
Measles Cases Across US (updated 3/28/25)
- Alaska (2 cases)
- California (5 cases)
- Florida (1 case)
- Georgia (3 cases)
- Kansas (23 cases)*
- Kentucky (2 cases)
- Maryland (2 cases)
- Michigan (1 case)
- New Jersey (3 cases)
- New Mexico (44 cases, 2 hospitalizations, 1 deaths, 2 counties)*
- New York (1 case)
- Ohio (10 case)
- Oklahoma (9 cases)*
- Pennsylvania (2 cases)
- Rhode Island (1 case)
- Tennessee (1 case)
- Texas (400 cases, 41 hospitalizations, 1 death, 17 counties)*
- Vermont (1 case)
- Virginia (2 cases)
- Washington (2 cases)
- Washington DC (1)
(cases with a * are likely linked)
Measles Facts
- Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. This means that measles will only spread if started by someone with the virus entering the country and spreading it to un- or under-vaccinated individuals.
- Measles is the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease. One person can spread measles to 16-18 unvaccinated individuals. In order for measles not to spread, a community (herd) immunity level of at least 95% must be maintained.
- Your best defense against measles is a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with two doses being 97% effective at preventing measles (one dose is 93% effective). The vaccine can also prevent or reduce the severity of infection if administered to an unvaccinated person within 3 days after an exposure. (source: Immunize.Org)
- The MMR vaccine can keep a child in school if they are exposed but vaccinated.
- Overall measles coverage in the US was 90.6% in 2021. In Delaware, that number was 89.4% for the same year. These numbers do not account for areas of lower vaccination coverage, like the Mennonite community at the center of the Gaines County, Texas outbreak.
- Due to COVID-19, vaccination rates of children dropped, and now up to 13.9% of children nation-wide are susceptible to measles.
Health Advisories
CDC Health Alert Network: Expanding Measles Outbreak in the US and Guidance for the Upcoming Travel Season
Delaware Division of Public Health: Recommendations to Protect Yourself and Your Children from Measles
Sharing about Measles / MMR Vaccine
- NFID Measles Awareness Graphics
- CDC Measles Videos
- CHOP MMR Infographic
Answers to Common Questions and Concerns
- NFID Measles and Vitamin A: 3 Things Parents Need to Know
- AAP Vitamin A + Measles Myths & What Actually Prevents Measles
- IKC Vaccine Fears Overturned By Facts Booklet
- IKC Vaccine Fears Overturned by Facts: Is Herd Immunity Real?
- IKC Vaccine Fears Overturned by Facts: Sanitation
Resources for Providers
If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, DPH should be notified immediately.
- Immunize.Org Measles Clinical Resources
- CDC Measles Clinical Overview
- CDC Public Health Resources