You may have noticed that measles was making headlines not long ago, but lately, the media buzz has quieted down. That got me thinking: Are new measles cases still being reported—especially here in Oregon?
After some initial research, I came across this Oregon Health News blog story about measles, written by Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority.
I found Dr. Cieslak’s blog so informative that I reached out to ask if he would fact-check this post—and he generously agreed. Please note that outbreak data changes daily, so the numbers referenced here reflect the most current information available at the time of publication.
Latest Measles Data
As posted on the U.S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:
“As of May 1, 2025, a total of 935 confirmed(*) measles cases were reported by 30 jurisdictions: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
There have been 12 outbreaks (defined as 3 or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 93% of confirmed cases (869 of 935) are outbreak-associated. For comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.”
The CDC data for 2025 also reveals 30% of measles cases have impacted children <5. The same source notes of the 119 hospitalizations of persons with known age, 66 (55%) were in kids <5 years old.
(*)NOTE: CDC is aware of probable measles cases being reported by jurisdictions. However, the data on this page only includes confirmed cases.
If you would like to access the most recent measles data for the State of Oregon, you can find it HERE.
Measles Through the Ages
The infectious diseases textbook Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases says that “Measles has been recognized as a disease for some 2000 years…” Back in the day, it spread like wildfire, especially when explorers brought it to places like the Americas, where it hit hard. By the 1700s, scientists figured out it was caused by something infectious in the blood. Before vaccines, pretty much every kid got measles, and it wasn’t just a rash—it caused millions of deaths every year. In the U.S., we’re talking 500,000 cases and around 500 deaths annually. Thanks to vaccines, the U.S. kicked measles to the curb in 2000, meaning there was no ongoing spread for over a year. Unfortunately, it still sneaks back in from other countries where it’s more common.
When Did We Get a Vaccine?
The measles vaccine story is pretty cool. In 1954, scientists John Enders and Thomas Peebles grabbed the virus from a kid named David Edmonston during a Boston outbreak. They worked to attenuate (weaken) the virus by passing it over and over again in tissue culture cells outside the human body.
By 1963, they had a vaccine ready to roll, and in 1968, Maurice Hilleman made it even better with a version we still use today. It’s part of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), and it’s been a game-changer. By 2018, 86% of kids worldwide got at least one dose, and two doses became the standard in many places to make sure immunity sticks.
(I admit I felt like administering a vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella all at the same time to a little kiddo seemed like it would be hard on the immune system, but after doing the research on protection and outcomes, I agreed to move forward.)
How Does the Vaccine Work?
The MMR vaccine is like a training camp for your immune system. It has a weakened version of the measles virus that can’t make you sick but teaches your body how to fight the real thing. Your immune system makes antibodies and memory cells, so if measles shows up later, it’s like, “Not today!” One dose is 93% effective, but two doses—usually at 12–15 months and 4–6 years—bump that to 97%. It’s basically lifelong protection, and if you’re exposed, getting the vaccine within a couple of days can even soften the blow.
Just How Contagious Is Measles?
Measles spreads so easily. One person can infect 12–18 others if nobody’s vaccinated. About 90% of unvaccinated people who get near it will catch it. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing, and the virus can hang out in the air or on surfaces for two hours. You’re contagious from four days before the rash shows up to four days after, especially when you’re coughing and feverish early on.
Yes, Measles Is Making A Comeback
As mentioned above, as of May 1, 2025, the CDC reported 935 cases across 30 U.S. states, with big outbreaks in Texas – 683 cases. If you would like to get the latest/greatest numbers, Texas plans to update numbers every Tuesday and Friday for the foreseeable future.
Sadly, as of the time this article is published, there have already been three reported deaths—the first in the U.S. since 2015. Most cases are in unvaccinated kids, often in tight-knit communities with low vaccination rates, like a Mennonite group in Texas. In the Americas, the WHO counted 2,318 cases by mid-April, way up from last year. Globally, millions of kids missed vaccines during the COVID-19 chaos, and that’s fueling outbreaks in places like Europe, Africa, and Asia. Travel keeps bringing it back to places with spotty vaccination coverage.
What Does Measles Feel Like?
Measles isn’t just a little rash. It hits you about 7–14 days after exposure, sometimes up to 21 days. First, you get:
- A high fever – as high as 105°F/40.6°C – but in most cases it can be lower
- A nasty cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots in your mouth (called Koplik spots)
A couple of days later, the rash kicks in, starting on your face and spreading everywhere. It’s red or brownish, lasts for about a week. It’s not painful, and it doesn’t itch, but patients report feeling malaise.
About 30% of people get complications like ear infections, diarrhea, or even pneumonia. In rare cases, it can cause brain inflammation or a super serious condition years later called SSPE, which is fatal. Measles can also mess with your immune system for years, making other infections more likely.
How Does It Spread?
Measles loves to hitch a ride on tiny droplets when you cough, sneeze, or talk. Those droplets can float around or stick to surfaces, and if someone breathes them in or touches their face after contact, bam—infection. Since it stays active in the air for two hours, it’s a nightmare in crowded places. In the U.S., outbreaks start when people bring it back from another country where measles is still common. From there it can spread quickly if not enough people are vaccinated.
Measles Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is your best defense. Kids should get two doses: one at 12–15 months, another at 4–6 years. If you’re traveling to a hot spot or exposed to measles, babies as young as 6 months can get an early dose, then finish the regular schedule later. Adults born after 1957 who don’t have proof of two doses or past infection should get at least one dose, maybe two if you’re in a high-risk gig like healthcare or travel a lot. If you got vaccinated between 1963 and 1968, you might need a booster since those early shots weren’t as strong. Getting vaccinated protects you and helps shield people who can’t get the shot, like babies or folks with weak immune systems. Herd immunity needs 95% coverage, so every dose counts!
Unsure If You Are Vaccinated Against Measles?
People in Oregon can access their vaccination records through their health care provider or contact the help desk of Oregon’s “ALERT” Immunization Information System (ALERT IIS) at 800-980-9431 or alertiis@odhsoha.oregon.gov. For more information, visit the Getting Immunization Records webpage.
Wrapping It Up
Measles is no joke—it’s super contagious and can be deadly, but we’ve got a vaccine to stop it. The MMR shot has saved countless lives, and it’s important to keep vaccination rates high to keep outbreaks at bay.
With cases spiking around the country, it’s a good time to speak to your doctor if you or a loved one hasn’t been vaccinated to figure out a plan that works for you and your family.
Want to know more?
Read this very informative Oregon Health News blog about measles, written by Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at Oregon Health Authority. Dr Cieslak provides valuable background on the disease, and where to get vaccinated. He notes Vitamin A can prevent measles-associated blindness; but it doesn’t prevent measles itself.
You can also explore the Oregon Health Authority measles page for more information.
Thank You Dr. Cieslak for taking the time to review this article. I really appreciate it.
