The United States is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in years, with 483 confirmed cases across 20 jurisdictions as of March 28, 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has already surpassed the total number of cases reported in 2024 [23].

Texas remains the epicenter with 400 confirmed cases, including 73 new infections reported in the past three days. At least 41 people have been hospitalized in Texas, and one unvaccinated child has died [4][13].

The CDC reports that 97% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Children and teenagers are most affected, with 75% of cases occurring in people under age 19 [23].

Other states with significant outbreaks include:

New Mexico: 44 cases, mostly in Lea CountyKansas: 23 cases across six southwestern countiesOhio: 10 cases in Ashtabula CountyOklahoma: 9 cases (7 confirmed, 2 probable)

Adding to the public health crisis, FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks was forced to resign on March 29, after being given an ultimatum by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In his resignation letter, Marks expressed concern about "what happens when confidence in well-established science underlying public health and well-being is undermined" [26][27].

Meanwhile, some unvaccinated children hospitalized with measles in Texas are showing signs of vitamin A toxicity after parents administered high doses at home, following advice from vaccine skeptics [15]. Medical experts emphasize that while controlled vitamin A supplementation can help treat measles under medical supervision, it does not prevent infection [4].

The CDC continues to recommend the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective prevention method, with two doses being 97% effective against infection [3]. The first dose is recommended between 12-15 months of age, with a second dose between ages 4-6.