Measles Outbreaks: What You Should Know

Measles is one of the most infectious viruses. In fact, about 9 out of 10 people not vaccinated against measles will become infected when exposed to the virus.

While highly contagious, measles is preventable. Health experts estimate that when 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, both those individuals and others in their community are protected against measles.

Measles Outbreaks

The United States is experiencing an unusual spread of measles. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles outbreaks have infected more than 2,600 people since the beginning of 2025, with cases in all but six states in the country. In 2026 alone, there have been 733 confirmed cases in 20 states as of Feb. 5.

These recent cases are jeopardizing the United States’ status as a measles-free country. Measles was eliminated in the country by 2000, but has resurfaced with periodic outbreaks, mostly among unvaccinated people.

Childhood vaccination has been declining recently, leaving communities vulnerable. According to CDC data, the national measles vaccination rate for kindergartners dropped from 95.2% (2019-20) to 92.5% (2024-25), leaving an estimated 286,000 children vulnerable.

Many states fall short of the 95% threshold for herd immunity, increasing the risk of rapid spread.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has urged Americans to get vaccinated against measles amid outbreaks in the United States. To put it in perspective, the country has reported four times as many measles cases in recent weeks as it typically sees throughout an entire year.

What Is Measles?

Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even breathes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease.

Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after infection, and may include the following:

• High fever (may spike higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes

After these initial symptoms, a measles rash may appear three to five days later. The rash usually appears as flat red spots on the face at the hairline, and then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.

Young children, pregnant people and individuals who are immunocompromised are at the highest risk of suffering from complications. Complications can include ear infections and diarrhea. Severe complications include hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), complications during pregnancy, and even death.

MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. It’s safe, well‑studied and extremely effective. One dose of the vaccine offers approximately 93% protection, and the full two doses provide about 97% protection. Most people who are vaccinated with MMR are protected for life. It’s important to note that your health care provider may recommend the MMR vaccine or the quadrivalent measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (or MMRV) vaccine. Both options provide protection against measles.

Children typically get the MMR vaccine in two doses as part of routine immunizations. The CDC recommends that the following individuals receive the MMR vaccine:

• Children—First dose at 12-15 months; second at 4-6 years
• Older children, adolescents and adults without immunity—At least one dose; some may need two separated at least 28 days apart
• Travelers—Should be fully vaccinated before international trips

According to both the CDC and public health experts, vaccination remains the best protection against infection and the prevention of outbreaks. Almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if they are exposed to those viruses. Vaccination also limits the size, duration and spread of outbreaks.

Prevention

Consider the following tips for protecting yourself and your community against the measles:

• Stay up to date on vaccination. Ensuring you and your household are fully vaccinated is the most effective prevention measure. Communities with lower vaccination coverage are more likely to experience a rapid spread of the virus.
• Know the symptoms. Seek medical advice immediately if you or someone in your household develops fever and rash, especially after travel or possible exposure.
• Follow state and local measles trackers. It’s important to stay updated on the most recent measles cases in the areas you live and travel to.
• Follow public health guidance during outbreaks. Outbreak recommendations may include temporarily quarantining exposed unvaccinated individuals, avoiding high-risk settings (e.g., schools and child care centers) if exposed and promptly reporting suspected measles cases.
• Protect vulnerable individuals. Infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems rely on high community vaccination rates for their protection.

Staying informed and vaccinated against the measles is the most effective way to keep yourself and your community safe.

Exposure and Treatment

If you think you have measles, contact your health care provider immediately and describe your symptoms so they can provide guidance. If you get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of initially being exposed to measles, you may get some protection or have a milder illness. In other cases, you may receive a medicine called immunoglobulin within six days of being exposed to measles. The CDC states that this provides some protection against the disease or may result in a milder illness.

The CDC recommends that if you have measles, you should stay home and avoid contact with others for four days after you develop the rash or other symptoms. Staying home is an important way to prevent spreading measles to others. In addition, consider the following behaviors:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw away used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow—never your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils with others.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, counters, remotes and toys.

Your health care provider can advise when it’s safe to be around other people again.

Conclusion

Measles remains a preventable yet serious disease. Outbreaks highlight the importance of maintaining strong vaccination rates, recognizing symptoms early and following public health guidance. While the virus spreads easily, communities with high immunization coverage can stop outbreaks quickly and protect vulnerable people.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about measles or the MMR vaccine. If you don’t have immunity against measles and become exposed to it, talk with your doctor about getting the MMR vaccine. The CDC advises that it’s not harmful to get the MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps or rubella. In fact, doing so may prevent later disease.