Measles
Measles is more than just a little rash and fever that clears up in a few days. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. It is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.
2026 trends
As of Jan. 29, 2026, a total of 588 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States. Among these, 585 measles cases were reported by 16 jurisdictions: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.
The CDC indicates the MMR vaccine is very effective in protecting people against measles, mumps and rubella, and preventing the complications caused by these diseases. People who received two doses of the MMR vaccine as children, according to the U.S. vaccination schedule, are usually considered protected for life and do not need a booster dose.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, talk with your healthcare provider.
However, if you are an Oklahoma resident, you may look up your immunization record at https://shotrecords.health.ok.gov/.
Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a hold being placed on future enrollments.
For the full year of 2025, a total of 2,255 confirmed* measles cases was reported in the United States. Among these, 2,230 measles cases were reported by 45 jurisdictions: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A total of 25 measles cases were reported among international visitors to the United States.
Symptoms
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Rash
How Measles spreads
Measles is highyly contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen up to 2 hours after that person has left.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have been exposed.
Prevention
Protect yourself with the vaccine. According to the CDC, the best way to protect yourself against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
Prevent measles and talk to your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if planning to travel.