Is your state affected? Shocking measles update reveals the latest spread
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There’s a growing sense of concern as measles makes an unsettling return across parts of the United States.
For many of us—especially grandparents and caregivers—news like this naturally sparks questions and worries about the health of loved ones.
With new outbreaks being confirmed and numbers climbing, it’s become more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.
The latest reports confirm that Tennessee has joined nine other states currently experiencing measles outbreaks, pushing the total to ten affected states.
Across the country, over 800 cases have been reported—more than double the total reported in all of 2024.
Here’s what we know so far about where the virus is spreading and what health officials are urging the public to do.
Texas remains the hardest hit, with 624 cases reported across 26 counties.
The majority are concentrated in Gaines County, a Mennonite community with low vaccination rates.
Tragically, two children have died due to measles complications since February.
In New Mexico, officials have confirmed 65 cases, including six hospitalizations.
Most are in Lea County, with others in Eddy, Chaves, and Doña Ana counties.
These cases have been genetically linked to the Texas outbreak, and one adult has died due to complications.
Kansas reports 37 cases across eight counties.
Haskell and Stevens counties are seeing the highest numbers.
Like New Mexico, genetic testing connects the state’s cases back to Texas.
Oklahoma has confirmed 13 cases, with origins traced to both Texas and New Mexico. Public exposures have been reported in Custer and Cleveland counties.
In Ohio, 32 cases have been confirmed, primarily in Ashtabula and Knox counties. Knox County alone reports 20 cases, including seven non-residents.
Indiana has eight cases, all from Allen County, involving unvaccinated minors and adults with unknown vaccination statuses. These cases are not currently linked to other outbreaks.
In Pennsylvania, officials have declared an outbreak in Erie County, where two recent cases were connected to an earlier one. The state has reported nine cases in total this year, some related to travel.
Michigan has eight cases, some of which form a cluster in Montcalm County, likely connected to an outbreak in Ontario, Canada.
Montana has reported its first measles cases in 35 years—five unvaccinated individuals in Gallatin County. These are not yet linked to other North American outbreaks.
Tennessee rounds out the ten affected states with six cases in the central region. At least three of these are known to be connected.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, has long drawn attention for his skepticism around vaccines.
During a cabinet meeting on February 26, Kennedy seemed to minimize the outbreak’s seriousness, stating, "We are following the measles epidemic every day... it's not unusual. We have measles outbreaks every year."
This came despite the virus already spreading through several states and resulting in reported deaths in Texas and New Mexico.
However, just a few days later, Kennedy adopted a more conventional public health stance.
In a March 2 opinion piece for Fox News, he wrote, "Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons."
The shift was seen by many as a significant move away from his earlier ties to anti-vaccine groups, signaling an effort to build public confidence.
Health experts continue to warn that measles—an airborne virus known for being highly contagious—can easily spread in areas with low vaccination rates.
Although measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, experts say a rise in exemption claims and a decline in routine childhood immunizations have contributed to its return.
This kind of news hits close to home—especially for those of us with children and grandchildren.
It’s a reminder that staying up to date with health alerts is about more than headlines—it’s about keeping our communities safe.
Whether you’re planning a trip or simply checking in with loved ones in different parts of the country, understanding where cases are appearing is a valuable step in staying proactive.
Read next: Even the biggest skeptics are rethinking Measles vaccines—here’s why one major figure is urging action
Have you or your loved ones been impacted by this measles outbreak? Do you have thoughts on vaccine safety or your own tips for staying informed during public health scares? Share your stories and questions in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
For many of us—especially grandparents and caregivers—news like this naturally sparks questions and worries about the health of loved ones.
With new outbreaks being confirmed and numbers climbing, it’s become more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.
The latest reports confirm that Tennessee has joined nine other states currently experiencing measles outbreaks, pushing the total to ten affected states.
Across the country, over 800 cases have been reported—more than double the total reported in all of 2024.
Here’s what we know so far about where the virus is spreading and what health officials are urging the public to do.
Health officials are urging families to stay informed as measles cases continue to rise across multiple states. Image Source: YouTube / WPLG Local 10.
Where measles is spreading and how
Texas remains the hardest hit, with 624 cases reported across 26 counties.
The majority are concentrated in Gaines County, a Mennonite community with low vaccination rates.
Tragically, two children have died due to measles complications since February.
In New Mexico, officials have confirmed 65 cases, including six hospitalizations.
Most are in Lea County, with others in Eddy, Chaves, and Doña Ana counties.
These cases have been genetically linked to the Texas outbreak, and one adult has died due to complications.
Kansas reports 37 cases across eight counties.
Haskell and Stevens counties are seeing the highest numbers.
Like New Mexico, genetic testing connects the state’s cases back to Texas.
Oklahoma has confirmed 13 cases, with origins traced to both Texas and New Mexico. Public exposures have been reported in Custer and Cleveland counties.
In Ohio, 32 cases have been confirmed, primarily in Ashtabula and Knox counties. Knox County alone reports 20 cases, including seven non-residents.
Also read: Measles on the rise: 4 deadly myths you need to DEBUNK immediately
Indiana has eight cases, all from Allen County, involving unvaccinated minors and adults with unknown vaccination statuses. These cases are not currently linked to other outbreaks.
In Pennsylvania, officials have declared an outbreak in Erie County, where two recent cases were connected to an earlier one. The state has reported nine cases in total this year, some related to travel.
Michigan has eight cases, some of which form a cluster in Montcalm County, likely connected to an outbreak in Ontario, Canada.
Montana has reported its first measles cases in 35 years—five unvaccinated individuals in Gallatin County. These are not yet linked to other North American outbreaks.
Tennessee rounds out the ten affected states with six cases in the central region. At least three of these are known to be connected.
Also read: Uncounted measles cases? CDC says more may be flying under the radar
Changing views on vaccination? RFK Jr. speaks up
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of Health and Human Services, has long drawn attention for his skepticism around vaccines.
During a cabinet meeting on February 26, Kennedy seemed to minimize the outbreak’s seriousness, stating, "We are following the measles epidemic every day... it's not unusual. We have measles outbreaks every year."
This came despite the virus already spreading through several states and resulting in reported deaths in Texas and New Mexico.
However, just a few days later, Kennedy adopted a more conventional public health stance.
In a March 2 opinion piece for Fox News, he wrote, "Vaccines not only protect individual children from measles, but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons."
The shift was seen by many as a significant move away from his earlier ties to anti-vaccine groups, signaling an effort to build public confidence.
Also read: Measles cases surge: Know the US states reporting infections
What can Americans do moving forward?
Health experts continue to warn that measles—an airborne virus known for being highly contagious—can easily spread in areas with low vaccination rates.
Although measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, experts say a rise in exemption claims and a decline in routine childhood immunizations have contributed to its return.
This kind of news hits close to home—especially for those of us with children and grandchildren.
It’s a reminder that staying up to date with health alerts is about more than headlines—it’s about keeping our communities safe.
Whether you’re planning a trip or simply checking in with loved ones in different parts of the country, understanding where cases are appearing is a valuable step in staying proactive.
Read next: Even the biggest skeptics are rethinking Measles vaccines—here’s why one major figure is urging action
Have you or your loved ones been impacted by this measles outbreak? Do you have thoughts on vaccine safety or your own tips for staying informed during public health scares? Share your stories and questions in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
