The measles outbreak in the U.S. continues to grow in 2025, with Louisiana, Virginia, and Missouri reporting their first confirmed cases over the weekend. These new infections bring the total number of affected states to at least 27, as reported by health officials.
All three of the newly confirmed cases have been linked to international travel, raising fresh concerns about how easily this highly contagious disease can cross borders and spread locally—especially among unvaccinated individuals.
Louisiana’s First Measles Case of 2025
On Saturday, Louisiana confirmed its first measles case this year. The patient is an adult living in the greater New Orleans area who had recently traveled abroad. According to the Louisiana Health Department, the person was not vaccinated against measles.
The individual is currently isolated at home and was not hospitalized. Health officials are now working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed.
Virginia Confirms Measles Case in Young Child
Also on Saturday, Virginia reported its first case of measles for the year. The patient is a child under the age of 4 who had recently returned from international travel, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
The VDH did not release more details due to privacy concerns and has not confirmed whether the child was vaccinated.
“This first case of measles in Virginia this year is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” said Dr. Laurie Forlano, State Epidemiologist.
Missouri Reports Case in Internationally-Traveled Child
Missouri reported its first 2025 measles case on Friday. The patient is a child with recent international travel, and their vaccination status is unknown, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
No additional cases have been identified so far, but health officials are alerting those who may have come in contact with the infected child.
U.S. Measles Cases Cross 800 in 2025
As of this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed over 800 measles cases in the U.S. for 2025. This is a major jump from 285 total cases reported in 2024.
If this trend continues, 2025 could surpass the 2019 record of 1,274 cases, making it the worst outbreak in the country since 1992.
Texas Outbreak Remains the Largest
The Texas measles outbreak alone accounts for 561 confirmed cases, including 20 new infections reported recently. Tragically, two people have died, and a third death is under investigation in New Mexico.
The six states currently experiencing significant outbreaks—defined as three or more connected cases—are:
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- Kansas
- Indiana
- Michigan
The Role of Vaccination
Health experts say 96% of all 2025 measles cases so far have been in people who were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Measles is extremely contagious, spreading through the air via coughing and sneezing. The virus can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room, according to the CDC.