Nearly a quarter century after its elimination from the United States, the Measles virus is again rapidly spreading across the country.
Almost 400 cases have been reported in 2025, already eclipsing the fewer than 300 cases reported during all of 2024. The disease is resurging as a torrent of vaccine skepticism and misinformation leads to decreasing vaccination rates.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, downplayed the severity of the current outbreak. The Secretary falsely claimed in a recent interview that contracting Measles is normal and gives someone “natural immunity”.
Kennedy then falsely asserted that the vaccine’s effectiveness decreases steadily over time. In fact, more than 97% of fully vaccinated individuals develop immunity to the virus, without having to endure a potentially dangerous infection.
Symptoms of a Measles infection include white spots inside of the mouth, a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body, and high fever that can quickly rise to 104 or higher. Infants, unvaccinated young children, pregnant mothers, and adults with underlying health conditions are at risk for serious or fatal complications.
According to the University of Chicago, an average of three in every 1,000 people who contract Measles will die. Of the 378 total cases in 2025 so far, two died (one child and one adult) and 64 required hospitalization.
Lower Measles vaccination rates increase the risk for serious illness and death, experts warn
Measles remains one of the most contagious infections diseases in the world. Unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with an infected person have a 90% chance of contracting the virus. The airborne disease spreads so easily that one infected individual is likely to pass the virus to 12-18 other people, making Measles nearly nine times more contagious than COVID-19.
For decades, the CDC has encouraged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against the disease. Children receive the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine in two separate doses. Doctors recommend the first dose between 12 and 15 months old, and the second dose between four and six years old.
In 2025, roughly 95% of the reported cases are from individuals who are unvaccinated or with an unknown vaccination status. Another 3% of cases are from patients with just one dose, and only 2% are from fully vaccinated individuals.
Not only are unvaccinated individuals more likely to contract the virus, they are also more likely to become seriously ill.
As the infection spreads throughout the body, it often affects the respiratory system. One in every 18 people who contract the virus will develop pneumonia. In one out of every 1,000 cases, the virus spreads to the brain, resulting in permanent brain damage or death.
Patients who do recover from the virus will suffer from a weakened immune system for weeks after.
Cases rise in Oklahoma and states with low vaccination rates
Nine total cases of Measles have been reported in Oklahoma in recent weeks, according to the state’s health department.
The OSDH says that all nine cases are linked to outbreaks in New Mexico and Texas, rather than public outbreaks in the state.
“Public exposures have been limited due to most of these individuals recognizing their exposure and excluding themselves from public settings,” the state reports.
So far, all of the state’s cases are connected to individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
The OSDH website warns Oklahomans that an infected individual is contagious “up to four days before” the Measles rash appears. Measles can also “live up to two hours in the air after an infected person leaves an area.”
According to USA Today, Oklahoma has one of the ten lowest Measles vaccination rates in the country. Just over 88% of the population is fully vaccinated against the virus.
To prevent further spread, the state encourages individuals to get vaccinated against the virus. Those with symptoms should seek medical attention and provide any requested information to their local health department.
Related Stories:
- Democrats hammer RFK, Jr. on his controversial views in hearing
- US health insurance claims more often denied for Blacks, Hispanics
Comments are closed.