What is Happening with Measles Right Now?
Measles cases are increasing across the United States and around the world. As of May 2025, the United States has reported over 1,000 confirmed measles cases and 3 deaths. This is the highest number of cases in more than 25 years. Most people who got measles were either unvaccinated or did not know their vaccination status.
Measles is spreading because vaccination rates have dropped in recent years. The disease is extremely contagious - if one person has measles, up to 90% of people around them who are not protected will also get sick.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads very easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the room.
Symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104 degrees fahrenheit)
- Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- A red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body
Serious complications can include:
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Brain swelling (encephalitis)
- Hearing loss
- Death (about 1-2 out of every 1,000 people with measles will die)
Measles is especially dangerous for babies, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
Who Is Considered Immune to Measles?
You are considered protected (immune) to measles if you have any one of the following:
- You were born before 1957 (people born before 1957 are generally considered immune because measles was so common before the vaccine).
- Vaccination records showing you received two doses of MMR vaccine (for most adults and all children)
- A positive blood test (IgG antibody test) showing you are immune to measles
Important note: If you cannot find your vaccination records, your doctor can order a blood test to check your immunity. However, these tests are not perfect and may sometimes show you are not immune even when you are. If your test is negative, you can simply get vaccinated - there is no harm in getting the MMR vaccine even if you were already vaccinated before.
Healthcare workers: If you are a healthcare worker, you should have proof of two doses of MMR vaccine or a positive immunity test, regardless of when you were born.
Who Should Be Tested for Measles Immunity?
You may need to check if you are protected against measles if you were born in 1957 or later and:
- Are not sure if you received the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
- Received only one dose of MMR vaccine and are not in a high-risk group
- Live in or are travelling to an area with a measles outbreak
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Measles during pregnancy can cause serious problems including miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight
Is the Vaccine Safe?
The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. After two doses, about 97% of people are protected against measles. Common mild side effects include:
- Fever (in 5-15% of people, sually 5-12 days after vaccination)
- Mild rash (in 5% of people)
The vaccine should NOT be given to:
- Pregnant women: The MMR vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy because it contains live virus. If you are not immune, you should get the MMR vaccine after you give birth (you can get it even while breastfeeding).
- People with severely weakend immune systems
- People with certain serious allergies to vaccine components
Key Takeaway
The best way to protect yourself and your family from measles is to make sure everyone is vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are not sure about your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting tested or vaccinated. Measles is preventable, but only if we maintain high vaccination rates in our communities.
