If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you may have seen articles about the increase in Measles outbreaks across the United States. These headlines can be scary, but it’s important to understand what measles is, how to prevent it, and where the outbreaks are in the United States.
First, what is measles? According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, measles is “A disease caused by a virus that lives in the nose and throat phlegm of an infected person and spreads easily through breathing, coughing, and sneezing.” The most recognizable symptom of measles is a rash that spreads from the head down to the lower body. This rash usually appears 14 days after infection and accompanies other symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and eye irritation.
Up to 9 in 10 people who lack immunity to measles and are close to someone who is infected will become infected. Measles can lead to serious complications that may require hospitalization, including pneumonia in younger children, brain swelling, and even death. Measles cases happen in the U.S. for two main reasons: travelers who contract the disease abroad bring it back to the states, and cases spread in communities with large numbers of unvaccinated individuals.
This second point brings us back to today: as of March 27th, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control reported 483 confirmed cases of measles in 20 states, including Tennessee. The first measles death since 2015 was reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services back in February. Since then, there’s been one death under investigation in New Mexico. The largest measles outbreak in the US right now is in Texas, with 400 identified cases and 41 hospitalizations as of March 28th.
Measles is very scary, and seems to be everywhere, so how can you protect yourself and others? Chances are, you already are protected and don’t even realize it. The measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR vaccine, is the BEST form of protection from the disease. Thanks to the MMR vaccine, the measles virus was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, meaning the absence of continuous spread of disease was greater than 12 months. But in the past several years, vaccination rates have decreased, with 97% of individuals who were confirmed measles cases reported to the CDC in 2025 being unvaccinated or having an unknown vaccination status.
The good thing is, if you’re attending ETSU in person, you’re required to have the MMR vaccine. Meaning, an outbreak of measles among ETSU students is very unlikely. While outbreaks of diseases like the bird flu and measles can be incredibly scary and concerning, it’s important to do your research by using reputable sources and consult with your healthcare provider about how you can do your part to prevent the spread of disease. Making sure you’re well-informed and well-prepared can make your worries go away.
