The United States is grappling with a worrying surge in measles cases, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a total of 1,267 cases so far this year — a sharp rise compared to previous years. The latest outbreak has been reported in Kentucky, which now joins a growing list of states dealing with the highly contagious virus.

Kentucky has reported five confirmed cases, four of which are linked to a single outbreak, according to state health officials. Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, emphasized the preventable nature of the disease.

“When there are measles outbreaks in other states and nearby countries, it is not surprising to see spread to Kentucky,” Dr. Stack said. “Measles can be very serious, but it is avoidable through vaccination. We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from preventable diseases like measles.”

Nationwide, the CDC has recorded 27 measles outbreaks in 2025, with a staggering 88 percent of cases (1,115 of 1,267) linked to these clusters. By comparison, the country reported 285 measles cases across 16 outbreaks in 2024, spanning 33 jurisdictions. Under CDC guidelines, a measles outbreak is defined as three or more related cases.

Texas remains the hardest-hit state, having reported the nation’s largest outbreak since late January. The total case count in Texas has now reached 753, with three new cases added just this week. The outbreak originated in West Texas and has spread to neighboring states, fueling a regional crisis.

One of those states, New Mexico, is still struggling to contain its own outbreak. Last week, the state’s Department of Health confirmed five measles cases at the Luna County Detention Center in the city of Deming. Officials are currently reviewing the vaccination status of detainees at the facility.

Dr. Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist with the New Mexico Department of Health, urged residents to remain vigilant.

“The cases at Luna County Detention Center are a stark reminder that the measles outbreak in New Mexico is not over,” said Dr. Smelser. “We urge everyone in New Mexico, especially Luna County residents, to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against measles.”

The current outbreak, which originated in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, has already claimed three lives — two unvaccinated elementary school children from West Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.

Health officials nationwide continue to stress the importance of routine vaccination, which remains the most effective defense against the disease. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is considered safe and highly effective, typically given in two doses during early childhood.

As the school year approaches and summer travel continues, public health authorities are urging communities, particularly those with lower vaccination rates, to take immediate preventive measures to stop further spread.