Over 800 Measles cases confirmed across 27 States in the U.S. Year to date...

In 2025, the United States has experienced a significant resurgence of measles, with 800 confirmed cases reported across 25 jurisdictions as of April 17, 2025, according to the CDC. This marks the second-highest number of cases since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. The majority (94%) of cases are outbreak-associated, with 10 outbreaks reported, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals, especially children. The most severe outbreaks are concentrated in Texas (624 cases, 2 deaths) and New Mexico (65 cases, 1 death), with cases also spreading to Oklahoma (13 cases) and Kansas (37 cases). Other affected states include Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. Most cases are linked to unvaccinated individuals, with 94% of patients either unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. Two deaths in Texas (unvaccinated children) and one in New Mexico (unvaccinated adult) have been reported, the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. in a decade.

Key Locations and Airports with Reported Measles Exposures

Several airports have been identified as potential exposure sites due to infected international travelers. Below is a summary of the reported cases involving airports and the origins of infected passengers:

1. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Virginia:

   • March 5, 2025: A Howard County, Maryland resident, who traveled internationally, tested positive for measles. Potential exposure occurred at Terminal A, transportation to the main terminal, and baggage claim area between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The case is unrelated to the Texas/New Mexico outbreaks.

   • March 5, 2025: Two additional passengers, returning from abroad, tested positive, with exposure in Concourse A baggage claim between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and the main terminal baggage claim between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. These cases, reported in Prince George’s County, Maryland, are unrelated to the earlier case.

   • January 3, 2024: A prior case involved an international traveler, with exposure in the international arrivals area of the main terminal between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

   • Origin of Passengers: Specific countries of origin are not detailed, but cases are linked to international travel.

2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California:

   • March 5, 2025: A Los Angeles County resident, who traveled internationally, arrived on China Airlines flight CAL8/CI8 at Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) between 7:00 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. Exposure risk was reported at Terminal B. Post-airport locations visited included Cloud 9 Nail Salon in North Hollywood (March 7) and Superior Grocers in El Monte (March 10).

   • February 19, 2025: A non-Los Angeles County resident arrived on Korean Air flight KAL11/KE11 at Terminal B, with exposure risk between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

   • November 27, 2024: A non-Los Angeles County resident arrived on Qatar Airways flight QR 0739 at Terminal B, Gate 155, with exposure risk between 12:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

   • January 25, 2024: A Los Angeles County resident arrived on Turkish Airlines flight TK 009 at Terminal B, Gate 157, with exposure risk between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

   • Origin of Passengers: Passengers originated from China (China Airlines), Korea (Korean Air), Qatar (Qatar Airways), and Turkey (Turkish Airlines).

3. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York:

   • February 2025: A child entering from China tested positive for measles in Pennsylvania after passing through JFK. Specific exposure details at the airport were not provided, but concerns were raised about potential contacts.

   • Origin of Passenger: China.

4. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), Michigan:

   • April 2025: Kent County, Michigan, reported its first measles case in 12 years, with exposure sites including Gerald R. Ford International Airport and Detroit Metro Airport’s Delta Sky Club. Other exposure sites included Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Corewell Health Family Medicine. The case is linked to international travel.

   • Origin of Passenger: Not specified, but linked to international travel.

5. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Virginia:

   • March 14, 2025: The two Prince George’s County, Maryland passengers who passed through Dulles on March 5 visited DCA’s shuttle bus terminal between 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., but did not board a flight.

   • January 4, 2024: A prior case involved exposure at Terminal A between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

   • Origin of Passengers: Not specified, but linked to international travel.

6. Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Canada (for context):

   • March 2, 2025: A passenger arriving from Pakistan on Emirates flight EK243 tested positive, with exposure in the arrivals and baggage area between 7:17 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This is included as it reflects the global pattern of measles spread via international flights.

   • Origin of Passenger: Pakistan.

7. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada (for context):

   • February 22, 2025: A case linked to a Seoul-Toronto flight (KE 073) exposed travelers at Terminal 3.

   • Origin of Passenger: South Korea (Seoul).

Origins of Infected Passengers

Most U.S. measles cases in 2025 are linked to international travel by unvaccinated individuals, with the CDC noting that two-thirds of such travelers are typically American residents. Specific origins identified include:

• China: JFK case (child in Pennsylvania).

• Korea: LAX case (Korean Air flight).

• Qatar: LAX case (Qatar Airways flight).

• Turkey: LAX case (Turkish Airlines flight).

• Pakistan: Montreal case (Emirates flight, relevant for global context).

• South Korea: Toronto case (Seoul-Toronto flight, relevant for global context).

  Other cases, such as those at Dulles and Michigan airports, are linked to international travel but lack specific country origins in the data. Globally, measles outbreaks are reported in numerous countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and others, indicating a high risk of importation.

  
  

Additional Context

• Vaccination Status: The vast majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses, yet declining vaccination rates have fueled outbreaks.

• Public Health Response: The CDC and local health departments are contacting potentially exposed passengers, urging vaccination, and monitoring for symptoms (fever, rash, cough, conjunctivitis) for 21 days post-exposure.

• Global Risk: Measles remains endemic in many regions, with 10.3 million global cases in 2023, increasing the risk of importation via international travel.

• Concerns: The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, as HHS Secretary has raised concerns about the U.S. response, though he has acknowledged the role of vaccines in community immunity while emphasizing personal choice.

The data highlights the critical role of international travel in reintroducing measles to the U.S., particularly among unvaccinated individuals. Airports serve as key transmission points due to high traffic and prolonged exposure risks (measles virus can linger in air for up to 2 hours). However, the establishment narrative heavily emphasizes vaccination as the sole solution, which may overlook other factors like immune system health or alternative prevention strategies. While the MMR vaccine is highly effective, the focus on vaccine mandates and the influence of figures like Kennedy suggest a polarized public health debate that warrants scrutiny. Always verify vaccination status and consult healthcare providers for personalized advice, especially for vulnerable groups like infants or immunocompromised individuals.

17GEN4.com