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The measles is back, and North America may be on the verge of losing its measles elimination status, the Pan-American Health Organization warns.
As of March 21, 2025, the state of Texas alone has reported more than 300 measles cases this year, surpassing the total number of cases for the entire U.S. in 2024. A six-year-old girl in Texas died from contracting the disease, the first U.S. death in 10 years. An adult died in a separate outbreak in New Mexico.
The alarming statistics prompted me to reach out to former colleague and public health expert Shaun Grannis, MD, at Regenstrief Institute and IU School of Medicine to ask about the implications of the recent outbreaks. He did not mince words.
“This topic is so darn simple: Get vaccinated … Now we have to start discussing this obvious solution to a problem that shouldn’t be a problem,” said Dr. Grannis.
As measles continues to spread, here’s what you need to know.
What’s so bad about the measles?
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The virus spreads through the air and can live up to two hours after the infected person leaves. Patients are contagious four days before the rash begins.
According to the CDC, if you have measles, 90% of unvaccinated people around you will become infected.
Possible symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Rash
What’s worse, 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who contract measles are hospitalized. About 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children with measles die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
Measles can also cause:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis
- Pregnancy complications
- Immune amnesia (wiping out any previous immunity to diseases)
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (a very rare but fatal disease of the central nervous system)
Measles has no treatment or cure. Like the flu, you must ride it out and hope you get better.
About 95% of current cases are among unvaccinated individuals.
What parents need to know
How can you prevent your child from contracting measles? Dr. Grannis said getting the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best protection. This shot series is 97% effective, making it one of the most effective vaccines available. You need two doses for full protection.
“There are very few things in life where there’s significant upside and almost no downside, and vaccines are one of those, particularly the MMR vaccine,” said Dr. Grannis.
When enough people are vaccinated, the population reaches herd immunity, significantly slowing the spread of the disease, even to unvaccinated people. Because measles is so contagious, we need a 95% vaccination rate to reach herd immunity.
Indiana’s MMR vaccination rate is only 85% and has declined since the pandemic.
So far, Indiana has been relatively unscathed by the disease. The state had one case of measles in 2024 — the only occurrence in the last five years. Dr. Grannis told me that while the chance of the Texas outbreak impacting Indiana is low, it’s not impossible.
He said if you and your children have had your shots, you should be protected from measles, even after exposure. If you catch the virus, the illness is less severe and less contagious.
Dr. Grannis explained how losing herd immunity could affect vaccinated people. “Think about armor protection on a tank — it’s very effective at preventing attacks, but if you keep attacking, eventually the armor fails.
“The vaccine is 97% effective. That means every exposure has a 3% chance of infecting someone. But do the math —1,000 exposures at a 3% probability results in 30 infections. If exposure significantly increases, the vaccine’s effectiveness will decrease.
“But as long as everybody cooperates and we maintain herd immunity, we should be protected.”
What to know about the MMR vaccine
Kids should receive their first MMR shot between 12 and 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years. The first dose alone is 93% effective and increases to 97% with the second.
Indiana schools require proof of completion of the MMR series before children enter kindergarten. Contact your doctor if you don’t know your child’s vaccination status.
Dr. Grannis said you can protect children too young for the shot by ensuring everyone they are exposed to is vaccinated. Given the recent outbreaks, you might need to avoid air travel for now.
If you haven’t had your second shot — or any shot at all — go get it now. Dr. Grannis said you’re never too old.
During our conversation, Dr. Grannis reiterated that vaccines do not cause autism. The single study linking the two was deliberate fraud. We’re not talking bad science or poor experiment design — the data was literally manufactured to reach the conclusion. Any correlation has been repeatedly disproved by legitimate, extensive scientific research.
The moral of the story?
Vaccinate your children.
To track the latest measles cases, visit the CDC website.
Visit the Indiana Health Department for information about Indiana’s school vaccine requirements.
