Measles cases have surged in the United States, reaching their highest levels in decades during 2025 and continuing to rise into 2026. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 910 reported cases so far this year, with large outbreaks occurring in states such as South Carolina and Florida.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, addressed the situation by urging vaccination: “Take the vaccine, please. We have a solution for our problem.”
The CDC confirmed at least 2,280 measles cases nationally in 2025—the highest number since the early 1990s. Colorado saw a significant increase, reporting 36 cases last year compared to typically two or fewer annually in previous years.
Medical experts warn that measles is highly contagious—more so than diseases like COVID-19 or polio—and can be particularly dangerous for children. In 2025, three people died from measles in the U.S.
“Measles is not, and never was, a benign illness,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, UCHealth’s senior medical director for infection control and prevention. She emphasized that many patients become very sick and require hospitalization: “Measles can be deadly in children, and many people end up hospitalized. They’re very sick. It can be quite frightening.” Barron also urged residents to verify their vaccination status: “Find out if you’re up to date on your vaccines. If you’re not, now is a fantastic opportunity to get up to date.”
Barron advised anyone with symptoms to contact their doctor before visiting healthcare facilities: “It’s definitely better to call ahead. We are trying to limit who gets exposed… Wear a mask or put on a mask as soon as you get to the facility.”
A major challenge with controlling outbreaks is that people infected with measles can transmit the virus up to four days before showing symptoms or developing a rash. “You may be doing all the right things, and suddenly, you get the rash,” Barron said.
She highlighted how measles weakens immune defenses by destroying protective cells—making secondary infections more likely after initial illness.
Data from health authorities show that among those who contracted measles this year, 94% were unvaccinated—a trend nearly identical to 2025 figures when most cases occurred among unvaccinated individuals.
Complications from measles include pneumonia (the leading cause of death among young children with measles), encephalitis (brain swelling), convulsions leading to deafness or intellectual disability, premature birth or low birth weight in infants born to infected mothers, and even death.
For those without immunity through vaccination or prior infection, exposure almost always results in illness due to how long the virus survives airborne after someone coughs or sneezes—up to two hours according to Dr. Barron: “If you are not protected by the vaccine… nine of 10 people who lack protection… will develop measles infection if exposed.”
She encouraged everyone eligible: “Get your vaccine. And if you’re concerned, talk to your provider.”
According to CDC guidance:
– Measles is highly contagious; one person can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated contacts.
– There is no specific treatment for measles.
– Infants under three months cannot receive vaccinations but remain at risk along with immunocompromised individuals.
– Symptoms typically appear seven–21 days after exposure; infected persons are contagious four days before until four days after rash onset.
– Most people initially experience fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes followed by a spreading red rash.
– One or two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine provide effective lifelong protection; it takes about one week after vaccination for immunity.
People born before 1957 are considered immune; those born between 1957–1989 may need additional doses depending on prior vaccination history.
Experts attribute rising case numbers partly to declining childhood immunization rates amid misinformation about vaccines—a trend also seen globally due increased international travel.
Dr. Heather Holmstrom of UCHealth Family Medicine Clinic Boulder noted efforts needed around education: “We eradicated these diseases, and now they’re coming back.” She added that routine immunizations protect both individuals and communities: “Routine childhood immunizations are really important for protecting every individual child as well as our community.” Holmstrom stated she has vaccinated her own children fully against preventable diseases: “My own children have gotten every routine vaccine ever available… Yours should too.”
Colorado residents concerned about possible exposure should call healthcare providers rather than visit facilities directly—minimizing risk of further transmission—or consult helplines such as CO-HELP at 303-389-1687 (toll-free: 1-877-462-2911).
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorado State Epidemiologist commented: “Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of measles should stay home unless they need medical treatment… People with signs and symptoms of measles should also not go to child care facilities, school, work or other public places…”
The MMR vaccine remains widely available across Colorado through healthcare providers at low or no cost via programs such as Vaccines for Children.
