A surge in measles cases across the U.S. in 2025, particularly in Texas, is raising alarms about vaccination rates, as the disease spreads to neighboring states, including Georgia.
The CDC has reported a staggering 607 confirmed cases of measles across the U.S. in 2025, more than double the 285 cases recorded in 2024. What makes this surge particularly alarming is that it comes on the heels of two child deaths linked to an outbreak in West Texas, which is prompting renewed calls for heightened vaccination efforts in neighboring states, including Georgia.
Georgia’s health officials are particularly concerned about the increase in measles cases, as the disease has the potential to spread rapidly, especially in communities with low vaccination coverage. With Texas dealing with the aftermath of a deadly outbreak, Georgia is on high alert, even though no direct connection has been identified between the Texas outbreak and the cases in Georgia so far.
Health experts, including Georgia State Epidemiologist Dr. Cherie Drenzek, have emphasized the importance of immunization as a defense against measles. In her briefing to the Georgia Board of Public Health, Dr. Drenzek expressed concern over the size and scope of the Texas outbreak.
The Texas Outbreak: A Wake-up Call
In Texas, measles has claimed the lives of two children from a largely unvaccinated religious community, highlighting the risks associated with declining vaccination rates in some areas. In addition to the tragic deaths, the outbreak has spread to nearby states like New Mexico, which reported 56 cases, and Kansas, with 24 confirmed infections.
The West Texas outbreak has triggered a wave of concern from neighboring states, and the impact is being felt across the U.S. With 607 documented cases this year, health authorities are urging parents and medical professionals to take immediate action to prevent further spread. This marks a sharp increase from just 59 cases last year, and the numbers are continuing to rise as we head deeper into 2025.
As Dr. Drenzek pointed out, “It’s a really very unique and very, very large outbreak,” adding that she expects it to continue for months, as communities work to manage and contain the spread.
Vaccination Gaps and Rising Hospitalizations
One of the most concerning aspects of the 2025 measles outbreak is the vaccination status of those affected. According to the CDC, 97% of those who have contracted measles this year were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. This includes both children and adults, with the highest number of infections in those under 20 years old.
Nearly 12% of the infected individuals this year have been hospitalized, and a fifth of those requiring hospitalization are children under the age of five. This is a stark reminder of the severity of measles and how it disproportionately affects young children, who are more vulnerable to complications from the disease.
The measles vaccine, which was declared the most effective way to prevent the disease, has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of infection. Yet, many children remain unvaccinated due to vaccine hesitancy or logistical challenges like missed vaccination appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the rise in measles cases began around the same time that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine vaccinations for children across the country.
Nationwide Impact and Efforts to Contain the Spread
Measles, which was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2020, has made a surprising resurgence in the years following the pandemic. New cases began climbing in 2021 with 49 reported infections, then 121 in 2022, and although the cases fell to 59 in 2023, the numbers have spiked again in 2025. The situation is a public health emergency, as every new measles case presents a potential risk to those who are unvaccinated or vulnerable.
In Georgia, health officials are closely monitoring the situation, having received numerous calls from concerned medical providers about potential measles infections. Although only three cases have been confirmed in the state so far, all were linked to international travel, and none had ties to the Texas outbreak. Despite the low case count, officials are taking no chances.
What Can Be Done?
The key to preventing further spread of measles lies in vaccination. Dr. Drenzek has urged all Georgia residents to ensure they are up to date on their immunizations, particularly children who are heading into preschool. She also stressed that medical providers should remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious cases to the state’s public health hotline.
There is also growing concern about the vaccine’s availability and access. Health authorities are working to ensure that vaccines are readily accessible, particularly for underserved communities where hesitancy or misinformation about vaccines remains a challenge.
With the measles outbreak showing no signs of slowing down, health experts are calling on parents to make sure their children are vaccinated, and adults to verify their vaccination status. The CDC has warned that the current trend could lead to a far more widespread outbreak unless swift action is taken to boost immunization rates.
Measles by the Numbers
| Year | Documented Cases | Hospitalizations | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 49 | N/A | N/A |
| 2022 | 121 | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 59 | N/A | N/A |
| 2025 (So Far) | 607 | 12% | 3 |
Measles is a highly contagious virus, and without widespread immunity through vaccination, it is only a matter of time before more outbreaks occur.
