As the spring and summer travel season heats up, measles continues to spread throughout parts of the United States. That’s led ThedaCare and national health experts to remind individuals to takes steps protect themselves and their loved ones.
In early March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory with guidance on preventing and monitoring the spread of measles. As of March 7, 2025, New Mexico and Texas had reported 208 confirmed cases of the disease. The outbreak has led to two deaths: a child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico, both unvaccinated.
“The outbreaks offer a sobering reminder of what can happen if we don’t take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of measles,” says Dr. Dirk Steinert, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Ambulatory Care for ThedaCare. “MMR vaccines offer a safe and highly effective way of preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.”
Further Background
Through early March, the United States had seen 222 measles cases across 12 states. New Mexico and Texas saw the highest number of cases. Other states reporting cases included Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington. Most of the cases were among children who hadn’t been vaccinated.
The CDC further stated that as of early March, the United States had seen three measles outbreaks in 2025. Those accounted for 93% of all cases. An outbreak is defined as three or more related cases.
Wisconsin has not reported a case of measles in 2025. Since 2020, however, the state has seen declining rates of children receiving on-time MMR vaccines. This increases our risk here.
“The declining MMR vaccination rates tell us we’re moving in the wrong direction,” Dr. Steinert says. “It’s crucial for parents and guardians to ensure children stay up to date on their immunizations.”
CDC Guidance
The CDC stresses that the risk of widespread measles outbreaks throughout the United States remains low. That’s thanks to historically strong immunization rates and surveillance programs in place.
The agency goes on to state that MMR vaccination remains the most important and effective tool for preventing measles. It recommends that all U.S. residents stay up to date on their MMR vaccinations, especially before traveling internationally, regardless of the destination.
Measles Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. The virus transmits through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
At its onset, measles often presents with fever, cough, runny nose, and pink eye. Those symptoms typically last two to four days before the appearance of a rash.
Measles can cause severe health complications. These include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and death.
Spread of Measles
The measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Infected people are contagious from four days before the rash starts through four days afterward. From exposure to fever, the incubation period for measles is usually about seven to 10 days. The time from exposure to rash onset is usually about 10 to 14 days (with a range of 7 to 21 days), the CDC states.
Individuals who suspect measles should contact their health care provider immediately. Beyond home comfort measures, supportive care, and steps to prevent complications, there’s no specific treatment available for measles once it occurs, Dr. Steinert says.
Vaccination Recommendations
“The MMR vaccine is the best tool we have for fighting measles outbreaks,” Dr. Steinert says. “It’s crucial for people to follow the recommendations and ensure they and their children are up to date.”
The CDC provides the following recommendations:
- Children need two MMR doses: one at 12-15 months and a second at 4-6 years. It’s safe for kids to receive MMR doses at the same time as they receive other vaccines.
- Older children, adolescents, and adults need one or two doses of MMR vaccine if they don’t have evidence of immunity. Doses should be separated by at least 28 days apart.
- Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before departing. Infants ages 6 to 11 months should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then they should get two more doses after their first birthday.
Scheduling Vaccines
Individuals can verify immunization status for themselves or a child using one of two resources:
- Adults may log in to their own or their child’s MyThedaCare account and select Immunizations.
- Visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry, a free tool that allows individuals to look up immunization history.
ThedaCare makes it easy to receive MMR and other needed vaccines. Visit thedacare.org/immunizations to view all your scheduling options.
“Let’s all do our part to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities safe from measles,” Dr. Steinert says.
