Midwest Measles Outbreak Updates (April 2025)
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As of mid-April 2025, the United States is experiencing a sharp rise in measles cases. CDC reports 800 confirmed cases nationwide (Jan–Apr 17, 2025)(cdc.gov), driven by large outbreaks (notably in Texas/New Mexico). CDC has issued health alerts urging all residents to be up to date on MMR vaccination – especially before travel abroad (cdc.gov). Below are the latest updates for Indiana and its neighboring states.
Indiana
Indiana’s outbreak is centered in Allen County (Fort Wayne area). The Indiana Dept. of Health (IDOH) reports 8 confirmed cases (all connected) as of April 24, 2025 (in.gov). The first case of 2025 was a child confirmed in early April, followed by five additional cases (three unvaccinated children and two adults) announced April 9 (abc7chicago.com), and two more cases by April 24. All cases are epidemiologically linked within Allen County, with no known links to other states (in.gov abc7chicago.com). Public health officials say the risk to the general public remains low (abc7chicago.com). Indiana health authorities are identifying exposed contacts and stressing vaccination: two doses of MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles and are recommended for all eligible children and adults. (CDC similarly advises that all U.S. residents be current on MMR, especially before international travel) (cdc.gov).
Illinois
Illinois recently confirmed its first measles case of 2025. On April 24, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health announced an adult case in Marion, Williamson County (far southern Illinois) (abc7chicago.com). Health officials identified multiple possible exposure sites in Marion between April 7–15, including:
IDPH warns that anyone who visited these locations during those dates should monitor for symptoms. Illinois officials emphasize that the risk to the general public is low (abc7chicago.com) and use this case as a reminder to keep vaccinations current – “this disease can be prevented with up-to-date vaccination,” said IDPH Director Vohra (abc7chicago.com). No secondary cases have been reported so far.
Ohio
Ohio has multiple measles clusters. State health officials (ODH) confirm 32 cases in Ohio as of mid-April (jems.com). These include 16 cases in Ashtabula County (northeast Ohio) and 14 cases in Knox County (east-central Ohio), plus one case each in Allen and Holmes counties (jems.com). Notably, Knox Public Health reports 20 total measles cases in Knox County (13 of whom are Ohio residents) (spectrumnews1.com); the additional 7 cases involve non-residents exposed there. The Ashtabula outbreak began with an unvaccinated adult who had international exposure. Many patients in both outbreaks are unvaccinated. State officials say Ohio’s 2025 total has already surpassed the 2024 total (10 cases). In response, ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff urged vaccination: “This disease… can be very serious, even deadly, but it is almost entirely avoidable by being properly vaccinated” (pulmonologyadvisor.com). Public health teams are conducting contact tracing in Ashtabula and Knox Counties and encouraging MMR immunization.
Kentucky
Kentucky has seen only a single confirmed case in this period. On Feb 26, 2025, KDPH announced one measles case (an adult) in Frankfort (Franklin County) (chfs.ky.gov). The patient had recently traveled internationally and became infectious in early-mid February. Officials identified one exposure site: Planet Fitness gym in Frankfort on Feb 17 (chfs.ky.gov). Health alerts advise that any unvaccinated person exposed at that time should quarantine for 21 days post-exposure and immediately contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop (chfs.ky.gov). KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack emphasized that measles is “one of the most contagious viruses in the world,” but it “can be prevented with the MMR vaccine,” which is safe and effective (chfs.ky.gov). Kentucky noted this is its first case since 2023 (chfs.ky.gov). No outbreak beyond this single case has been declared, but local health officials continue to monitor for any spread.
Michigan
Michigan’s current measles outbreak is focused in Montcalm County (west-central Michigan). On April 17, MDHHS reported 3 linked cases in Montcalm County and a total of 7 cases statewide in 2025 (michigan.gov). The Montcalm cases are epidemiologically connected and have been linked to Ontario’s large outbreak, but no new public exposure sites have been identified in Michigan (michigan.gov). The other four cases (making 7 total) are scattered in other counties and are not related to the Montcalm outbreak. Michigan health officials are conducting case investigations and have stressed vaccination: MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Bagdasarian noted that two doses of MMR offer ~97% protection and urged all residents to check their MMR status and vaccinate if needed (michigan.gov) . MDHHS also advises anyone who may have been exposed to call their doctor before seeking care to prevent further spread.
Each state’s public health department is coordinating with CDC and local agencies. All authorities reiterate that measles is preventable by vaccination. The CDC continues to advise clinicians and travelers to verify immunity: anyone born after 1957 should have two MMR doses (or serologic evidence of immunity) before traveling internationally (cdc.gov). Health departments also remind providers that measles is immediately reportable and to isolate and test suspected cases promptly. The public is urged to ensure children and adults are up-to-date on MMR and to heed any local alerts about potential exposures.
Sources: State health department releases and updates (Indiana IDOH, Illinois IDPH, Ohio ODH, Kentucky KDPH, Michigan MDHHS) and recent news reports in.gov abc7chicago.com jems.com chfs.ky.gov michigan.gov. Federal guidance (CDC Health Alerts) is cited for national contextcdc.gov pulmonologyadvisor.com.