Measles outbreaks continue to spread across the West Texas and New Mexico areas, and are now reaching several other states, including Pennsylvania, California and Oklahoma.
So far, more than 250 measles cases have been reported in multiple states in 2025, with two confirmed deaths, including the first death from measles in the United States, the first in a decade.
This is when America’s top official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., continues to be distrust of the vaccine this week, claiming in an interview with Fox News that the outrageous vaccine “causes all the illnesses that measles itself causes.” These comments occurred despite studies showing that the side effects of the measles vaccine are far less severe than those associated with the virus itself.
Measles is one of the most infectious human diseases and can lead to life-threatening complications. The most effective way to protect against measles is through measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Upon receiving two MMR vaccines, measles per CDC will provide 97% effectiveness in preventing measles, with one dose offering about 93% protection.
The CDC emphasizes that if more than 95% of the community are vaccinated, the majority of individuals benefit from community immunity.
In Texas alone, state governments have reported 223 measles since late January, leading to 29 hospitalizations. In particular, more than half of these cases are involved in children under the age of 17.
Of those infected in Texas, the state government reports that 80 people have not received the vaccine, 138 have no idea about their vaccination status, and five have received at least one dose.
As of March 6th, the measles incidents have also been reported in 2025 in California, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington, with the majority of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals.
This week, the first case of measles was confirmed in Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, the state’s Department of Health reported two cases, while in Vermont, authorities confirmed that school-age children were infected.
This week, the first measles incident was also confirmed in Los Angeles County and Fresno County, California.
In New Mexico, the Department of Health declared an outbreak, reporting that measles cases have risen to 33 this week.
Most cases involve residents who have not been vaccinated, the department said, and so far one case requires hospitalization.
Last week, the CDC said: “As this outbreak continues to spread rapidly, we can expect more cases of measles.”
According to the CDC, measles was declared officially excluded from the United States in 2000.
On Thursday, former Republican House member and doctor Dave Weldon from Florida has doubts about the safety of the vaccine, a candidate for Donald Trump, who leads the CDC, and was set to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee as part of the confirmation process.
However, a few hours ago, on Thursday morning, the White House decided to withdraw the nomination originally reported by Axios.
