Measles cases in the US crosses 1,000: Early symptoms, prevention tips to know

As the US is currently witnessing one of the worst outbreaks of measles, the number of cases has climbed to 1,000, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed.

"As of May 8, 2025, a total of 1,001 confirmed measles cases were reported by 31 jurisdictions: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington," the US CDC confirmed in a press release.

About 30% of the cases are seen in children upto 19 years of age. 96% of the infected individuals are not vaccinated, the CDC has confirmed. 13% of cases required hospitalization. There have been 3 confirmed deaths from measles.

Measles is one of those illnesses we’ve all heard about, but many of us think it’s a thing of the past. For example, in the US measles was thought to have been eliminated in 2000 until it made a comeback in 2025. Sadly, it's still very much around and can get serious if not spotted early.

So, what does measles look like in the beginning?
It usually starts off just like a regular viral infection. You might feel like you’re coming down with the flu—fever, tiredness, and that annoying dry cough. Along with that, there's often a runny nose and red, watery eyes that can make you feel like you're having a bad allergy day. But here's a tell-tale sign that really gives measles away: tiny white spots inside the mouth, especially on the inside of the cheeks. These are called Koplik spots and they usually show up a couple of days before the infamous rash.

Then comes the rash—usually 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms show up. It often starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. It looks like flat red spots that may merge into each other, and in some people, it can get itchy or even a bit bumpy.

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Fever (can spike pretty high)
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (like conjunctivitis)
• White spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)
• A red rash that spreads from face to body

Prevention tips
First and foremost: vaccination. If there’s one superhero in this story, it’s the MMR vaccine (that’s Measles, Mumps, and Rubella). It’s usually given to kids in two doses—once around 9 to 12 months, and then again around 15 to 18 months. And guess what? It’s super effective. Adults who missed their shots as kids should definitely talk to a doctor about getting vaccinated too.

Good hygiene also helps—wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and if someone in your circle has measles, it’s best to stay away until they’ve fully recovered. Measles is super contagious—it spreads through coughs, sneezes, and even just breathing the same air. So if someone’s infected, the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.

Also, keep your immune system in shape. A healthy diet, enough sleep, and staying hydrated can’t prevent measles outright, but it can help your body deal with infections better. And if someone close to you gets it, alert your doctor—especially if you’re pregnant, have a weak immune system, or are caring for young kids.