Gary, IN – Health officials across the Midwest are sounding the alarm as measles cases climb rapidly in multiple states, with Kansas, Ohio, and Michigan reporting confirmed outbreaks as of March 27, 2025.
According to the Lake County Indiana Health Department, Kansas leads the surge with 23 confirmed measles cases, nearly double earlier counts. The outbreak began in Stevens County on March 13 and has largely impacted young residents. Health officials are urging immediate MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations, particularly for infants in high-risk areas.
Ohio is also facing a serious outbreak. Ashtabula County has reported 10 confirmed cases, with exposures across several counties. Public health officials are emphasizing immunizations to contain the spread and protect vulnerable populations.
In Michigan, the state’s first confirmed measles case of 2025 was reported in Oakland County. It is the first case since July 2024, marking renewed concern over vaccine hesitancy and the importance of childhood immunization programs.
The U.S. has now surpassed last year’s total measles case count, driven in part by misinformation and declining vaccination rates. Indiana residents are strongly encouraged to confirm their MMR vaccination status with a healthcare provider. While measles is highly contagious, it is preventable through timely, complete immunization.
