LOS ANGELES, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The United States has reported a total of 483 confirmed measles cases in just three months of 2025, surpassing the total number of infections for all of 2024, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday.
There have been five outbreaks reported in the country so far this year. An outbreak is defined as three or more related cases. About 93 percent of the infections are linked to the five outbreaks.
The confirmed cases span 20 U.S. jurisdictions. Of those, 70 individuals have been hospitalized, and two have died, according to the CDC.
In 97 percent of the cases, the vaccination status is "unvaccinated or unknown."
The number of confirmed measles cases so far in 2025 has already exceeded the 285 cases reported in 2024, according to the CDC.
Texas has been the hardest-hit state, with 400 cases identified since late January. Forty-one of the patients have been hospitalized.
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, additional cases are likely in the outbreak area and surrounding communities, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
New Mexico has reported 44 cases as of Friday, while Kansas has seen 23 cases across six counties, including 20 unvaccinated individuals.
In Ohio, the state Department of Health has reported 10 cases, nine of whom are linked to an adult male who was identified last week as the state's first measles case of 2025. None of the affected individuals had been vaccinated.
"Measles is especially dangerous for young children, so I strongly urge all parents across Ohio to make sure your children are vaccinated. It is a crucial layer of protection that can save lives," said Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that spreads over the body. Serious complications can occur, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
The CDC emphasizes that the best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are highly effective in preventing the disease.
The CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
