The CDC reports that there have been measles cases found in 8 states as of Feb. 2025. Currently, there are significant outbreaks in Texas and a neighboring area in New Mexico.
There have been 90 cases in the South Plains area of Texas; 16 people have been hospitalized. In New Mexico there have been 3 outbreaks (more than 3 related cases).
The cases by age in the U.S. are:
Up to age 5 = 30%
Age 5-19 = 52%
Age over 20 = 16%
Age unknown = 2%
Vaccine status::
Unvaccinated or unknown 95%
One MMR dose 4%
Two MMR doses 0%
It has been known for a long time that two MMR doses are highly effective for prevention of measles. So, the statistics above are what you would expect.
Before 1963, when the measles vaccine became available, we saw many cases of measles. I only saw one case as a resident in family medicine (early 1970s). I never saw another case thanks to the vaccine.
The most serious complications from measles include blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis (brain swelling). Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children and in adults over age 20.
Before the vaccine, there were between 400 and 500 deaths per year from measles in the U.S.
The World Health Organization estimates that the measles vaccine has prevented an estimated 60 million deaths throughout the world.
If you or your loved ones have not been vaccinated, I urge you to talk to your doctor about this issue.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
