In January 2025, measles appeared in Texas, subsequently developing into one of the largest outbreaks in the past thirty years. While concentrated primarily in Texas and New Mexico, scattered cases have appeared across the Midwestern and East Coast portions of the United States.
Many have been deeply concerned with the size and severity of the outbreak of a disease that has all but vanished from public life and imagination. The recent outbreak has led to questions surrounding vaccines, public safety, and virus eradication in the United States.
Naturally, it has also sparked concern among parents of children preparing to return to school. However, understanding the virus and the steps to avoid infection empowers people to make informed decisions about the appropriate measures to take for themselves and their loved ones.
The Current Situation
As of July 22, the CDC has reported 1,319 cases of measles in 2025, the highest number of cases in 30 years. Among these cases, the majority involve young and school-aged children, with 30% of cases occurring in people over the age of 20.
In Virginia, only three cases of measles have been reported, and no deaths from measles have occurred.
What Are Measles? What Are Its Symptoms?
Measles is a highly contagious virus — historically more common in childhood — and was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, thanks to the development and introduction of the MMR vaccine in 1963 and improved version in 1968. Any new cases are typically brought in from outside the United States.
After first contact, measles can take up to two weeks to manifest symptoms. Initial symptoms can include a high fever, cough, and a runny nose. After a couple of days, the patient will develop Koplik spots, tiny white spots within the mouth. Within 3 to 5 days, the classic measles rash appears, red flat or raised spots appearing on the face and spreading to the body, along with a high fever.
The Measles Vaccine
The most effective way to avoid contracting measles is through the measles vaccine. Among the current outbreak, 97% of the cases were among those with unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status.
The measles vaccine is part of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella). It is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened strain of the virus. Such an approach provides a long-lasting immune response, with the recommended two doses usually granting lifetime protection. A variation of this vaccine is the MMRV, the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.
The vaccine comes in two doses, with a single dose having 93% efficacy in preventing measles, and two doses having a 97% efficacy rate.
Children typically receive their first dose around 12 months old. A second dose is generally received between 4 and 6 years old before they begin attending school. The vaccine is not recommended for children under 12 months, unless they are participating in international travel. In that case, they should still receive the standard two shots during the normal timeline. Parents can discuss the best vaccination timeline for their children with a Rockwell Physicians provider.
Most adults should be up to date with their MMR vaccines and do not need to be screened for immunity. Before 1968, the inactivated vaccine on the market was less effective than the live attenuated virus. For individuals born between 1963 and 1966 who have received this vaccine, antibody testing can confirm if they have current immunity. People born before 1963 have “presumed immunity” because of the commonality of the disease at the time. They should consider talking with their provider about receiving at least one dose of the MMR vaccine for additional protection.
Other Prevention Techniques
Staying up to date on your vaccine regimen is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against measles.
If you have been exposed to measles, you can receive an MMR vaccine shot within 72 hours. This approach can provide additional protection and reduce the virus’s effects. As an alternative, your provider can administer immunoglobulin within 6 days of exposure, which can also reduce the virus’s symptoms.
Final Thoughts
The measles outbreaks this year, while tragic, has revealed the effectiveness of medical interventions like the MMR vaccine, especially for people engaging in international travel or who have children.
While the outbreak is naturally concerning, medical and common-sense interventions can reduce the spread and mitigate its worst effects. Taking advantage of these interventions can protect you and your loved ones.
If you have any questions about measles, the measles vaccine, or other preventative measures, our practitioners at Rockwell Physicians are happy to meet with you. Contact us to schedule an appointment.