Measles Outbreaks in 2025: What You Need to Know
Written by:
Joe Chow, MD, Adult Medical Director, AccessNurse
Measles?
Pull out your medical textbooks.
Medical textbooks- that’s how long it’s been since we’ve seen a significant outbreak of measles dating back to the late 1980s. After the recommendation of a second dose of MMR, measles was declared “eliminated” from the United States in 2000. Although there have been cases of measles over the years, 2025 has seen the most newsworthy rise in outbreaks (3 or more related cases) across the US, with most cases coming from unvaccinated patients.
Measles typically presents with high fever, the 3 C’s (cough, coryza, conjunctivitis) and the distinctive red rash that starts on the face and spreads downwards. Most at risk are children under 5 years of age. Although testing is available, this is largely a clinical diagnosis, based on the symptoms and risk factors of unvaccinated status and exposures.
Given the high transmissibility of measles, much greater than the flu or Covid, it is important to recognize this early and isolate the patient away from others. Measles is spread via airborne droplets, and can last in air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours. Most patients will recover from this virus, however serious complications can arise, such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
Immunization with the MMR vaccine is our best defense against measles, and is safe and very effective, with one dose at 93% effective in preventing measles and two doses at 97% effective. There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Most people receiving both doses are considered protected, however if you are unsure of your immunizations or immunity status, you may check your immunity status with bloodwork, or receive a dose of MMR.
AccessNurse is continually monitoring any health trends and outbreaks, such as measles, and educating our clinicians to ensure patients receive the most up to date advice.
With our medical directors specializing in adult, pediatric and obstetric/gynecologic medicine, we are happy to educate and collaborate with our partners to best care for our patients.
And as always, AccessNurse is here for you. Reach out to our team today to see how we can help your practice needs:
