Louisiana, Virginia, and Missouri each reported their first measles cases of 2025 this weekend, bringing the total number of affected states to at least 27. All three cases were traced to international travel. Louisiana’s first case was reported on Saturday in an unvaccinated adult who had traveled internationally and resided in the greater New Orleans area. Health officials are working to identify those who may have been exposed. The patient has not been hospitalized and will remain isolated until no longer contagious.
Virginia also reported its first case on Saturday, involving a child under 4 who had recently traveled abroad. The Virginia Department of Health did not release further details to protect the family’s privacy, and it’s unclear whether the child was vaccinated. Virginia’s State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano emphasized the ease with which measles spreads, especially with international travel.
On Friday, Missouri confirmed its first case in a child with an unknown vaccination status who had also traveled internationally. The Missouri Department of Health has alerted those who may have been exposed.
The U.S. measles outbreak has now reached 800 confirmed cases, with Texas seeing the highest number. The outbreak has nearly tripled compared to 2024, when only 285 cases were reported. If this trend continues, the U.S. may surpass the 2019 total of 1,274 cases, which would mark the highest number since 1992. Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Kansas, Indiana, and Michigan are currently facing significant outbreaks, with three or more linked cases. Health officials note that 96% of this year’s cases have involved unvaccinated individuals or those with uncertain vaccination status.
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne for up to two hours.
