Results
Of the 54 hospitalized patients, only six had underlying medical conditions that would have put them at higher risk. None of the 54 hospitalized patients were immunocompromised.
Of the 54 people hospitalized, 47 (87 percent) had complications from measles, including 39 (72 percent) pneumonia, 25 (46 percent) dehydration, and 21 (39 percent) diarrhea. 17 (31.5 percent) patients developed co-infections with other pathogens, known to be at risk for measles, and 28 (52 percent) were treated with antibiotics.
Thirty-eight (70.4 percent) patients required supplemental oxygen for breathing. Thirty-seven (68.5 percent) experienced hypoxia, where there were insufficient oxygen levels to support the body. Four of the hospitalized patients, all children, required treatment in the intensive care unit. Three had thirst. Two required intubation and mechanical ventilation. One child died.
(There was a second infant death in the Texas outbreak, but it occurred after the study period and was not included.)
Four of the five adults were pregnant women. Two of them gave birth while in the hospital, and two of their babies were diagnosed with active measles. One infant continued to experience symptoms suggestive of acute measles meningoencephalitis and was hospitalized weeks later, outside the study period.
In addition, the authors concluded that “despite many cases of measles being mild, approximately one in five confirmed measles cases in this outbreak required hospitalization for pneumonia, dehydration, or other complications, including rare cases of serious illness or death. Measles vaccination remains an important tool in preventing infections and severe infections, both routinely and in outbreak settings.”
A total of 2,288 measles cases were reported in the United States in 2025, the highest number since 1991. 2026 is less than six months away and the country is already close to reaching this number; as of May 28, the United States has released information 1983 confirmed cases of measles Works in 40 jurisdictions. 30 new epidemics have been registered since the beginning of the year. Overall, the country is on track to lose measles elimination status.
