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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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Latest info suggests this claim is true
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Smoke from wildfires that have burned 7,670 acres has lowered air quality throughout North Carolina. Wildfire smoke contains thousands of tiny particles that enter the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled. Breathing in these particles can cause respiratory and heart problems, especially in people with asthma or heart conditions. Staying inside, keeping doors and windows closed, and wearing an N95 mask outside are the best protections against inhaling wildfire smoke. Check local air quality levels at IQ Air or a local weather channel.
WHAT WE KNOW
Regions most heavily impacted by wildlife smoke depend on the wind direction and can change day-to-day.
People with pre-existing conditions, young children, and older adults should begin taking protective measures against wildlife smoke when air quality reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (an AQI [Air Quality Index] range of 101-150 according to airnow.gov). Some people may experience symptoms when the AQI is lower than this.
At an AQI level between 151-200, everyone may begin to experience negative health effects, and members of sensitive groups may have more serious health effects.
AQI levels between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, and everyone is more likely to experience serious negative health effects. AQI values over 300 trigger emergency health warnings, and people are even more likely to experience serious negative health effects.
AQI measures how many pollutants are in the air, including but not limited to wildfire smoke. This means that other particles like pollen or pollution from vehicles and factories can combine with smoke to make more unhealthy air quality conditions.
UNKNOWNS
Air quality conditions are constantly changing due to environmental factors like wind direction and humidity. People should check a local AQI index for the most up-to-date conditions.
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Smoke from wildfires that have burned 7,670 acres has lowered air quality throughout North Carolina. Wildfire smoke contains thousands of tiny particles that enter the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled. Breathing in these particles can cause respiratory and heart problems, especially in people with asthma or heart conditions. Staying inside, keeping doors and windows closed, and wearing an N95 mask outside are the best protections against inhaling wildfire smoke. Check local air quality levels at IQ Air or a local weather channel.
WHAT WE KNOW
Regions most heavily impacted by wildlife smoke depend on the wind direction and can change day-to-day.
People with pre-existing conditions, young children, and older adults should begin taking protective measures against wildlife smoke when air quality reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (an AQI [Air Quality Index] range of 101-150 according to airnow.gov). Some people may experience symptoms when the AQI is lower than this.
At an AQI level between 151-200, everyone may begin to experience negative health effects, and members of sensitive groups may have more serious health effects.
AQI levels between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, and everyone is more likely to experience serious negative health effects. AQI values over 300 trigger emergency health warnings, and people are even more likely to experience serious negative health effects.
AQI measures how many pollutants are in the air, including but not limited to wildfire smoke. This means that other particles like pollen or pollution from vehicles and factories can combine with smoke to make more unhealthy air quality conditions.
UNKNOWNS
Air quality conditions are constantly changing due to environmental factors like wind direction and humidity. People should check a local AQI index for the most up-to-date conditions.
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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Smoke from wildfires that have burned 7,670 acres has lowered air quality throughout North Carolina. Wildfire smoke contains thousands of tiny particles that enter the lungs and bloodstream when inhaled. Breathing in these particles can cause respiratory and heart problems, especially in people with asthma or heart conditions. Staying inside, keeping doors and windows closed, and wearing an N95 mask outside are the best protections against inhaling wildfire smoke. Check local air quality levels at IQ Air or a local weather channel.
WHAT WE KNOW
Regions most heavily impacted by wildlife smoke depend on the wind direction and can change day-to-day.
People with pre-existing conditions, young children, and older adults should begin taking protective measures against wildlife smoke when air quality reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups (an AQI [Air Quality Index] range of 101-150 according to airnow.gov). Some people may experience symptoms when the AQI is lower than this.
At an AQI level between 151-200, everyone may begin to experience negative health effects, and members of sensitive groups may have more serious health effects.
AQI levels between 201 and 300 are considered very unhealthy, and everyone is more likely to experience serious negative health effects. AQI values over 300 trigger emergency health warnings, and people are even more likely to experience serious negative health effects.
AQI measures how many pollutants are in the air, including but not limited to wildfire smoke. This means that other particles like pollen or pollution from vehicles and factories can combine with smoke to make more unhealthy air quality conditions.
UNKNOWNS
Air quality conditions are constantly changing due to environmental factors like wind direction and humidity. People should check a local AQI index for the most up-to-date conditions.
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