U.S. Faces Major Measles Outbreak in Undervaccinated Communities

As of June 2025, the United States is confronting a significant measles outbreak, with over 1,000 confirmed cases reported across multiple states. Texas has emerged as the epicenter, accounting for approximately 744 cases, predominantly within an undervaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County. This community has experienced 96 hospitalizations and two child fatalities. Other affected states include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. New Mexico has reported 81 cases and one adult death.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus preventable through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. High vaccination coverage is crucial to prevent the spread of the disease. However, vaccination rates have declined post-pandemic, contributing to the current outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing the spread of this virus.

The outbreak began in early 2025, with Texas emerging as the epicenter. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported that the majority of cases are concentrated in an undervaccinated Mennonite community in Gaines County. This community has experienced 96 hospitalizations and two child deaths. Other affected states include Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. New Mexico has reported 81 cases and one adult death.

The affected community in Gaines County is part of the Old Colony Mennonites, a group with a history of migration from Europe to Russia, then to Canada, Mexico, and eventually to Texas in the late 20th century. This community has preserved its Low German dialect and cultural distinctions. Historically, there has been no religious prohibition against immunization in Mennonite circles. However, more culturally conservative Mennonite groups have tended to be under-immunized or partially immunized, partly due to limited engagement with healthcare systems.

In response to the outbreak, the CDC and state health departments have emphasized the importance of vaccination. The CDC has noted that the majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals, highlighting a decline in vaccination rates post-pandemic. Efforts to boost immunization are ongoing, particularly in areas like Gaines County, Texas, where vaccination rates are critically low.

Researchers are employing wastewater surveillance to detect the presence of the measles virus, identifying traces in states such as Maryland, California, and Connecticut. This method aims to provide early detection and inform public health responses.

The current outbreak underscores the critical need for maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the return of endemic measles in the United States. The situation highlights the challenges posed by declining vaccination rates and the importance of public health initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

The resurgence of measles in the United States serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. Public health officials continue to advocate for increased immunization efforts to prevent further spread and potential re-establishment of measles as an endemic disease.