Though the likelihood of an outbreak or sporadic cases might be low, the spread of measles into Massachusetts can’t be ruled out, especially among unvaccinated populations.

And so, state public-health officials have advised care providers to remain vigilant for potential measles cases in light of the worsening outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.

Compared to other states dealing with rising infections, there have been “no recent measles cases reported in Massachusetts,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said Thursday.

But he highlighted a March 11 memo with recommendations for providers, including promoting vaccination schedules and isolating patients with suspected measles infections at health-care facilities.

Measles cases are “most dangerous” for children under age 5 and adults over age 20, as well as those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems, Goldstein said during a Public Health Council meeting.

According to CDC data, most of the current measles cases have occurred in those vulnerable populations.

Infections in those under 5 years old (34%) and from 5 to 19 years old (42%) account for 76% of the cases.

In all these cases recorded so far this year, the CDC estimates that unvaccinated individuals accounted for 95% of them.

Goldstein said the disease spreads easily among people, with transmission risk lasting about a week or two.

“The good news is that there’s a safe and effective vaccine (MMR) available to protect individuals and communities from measles,” the commissioner said. “We’re also happy to report that the most recent national immunization survey showed Massachusetts had some of the highest vaccination rates in the country.”

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rate is 98% for Massachusetts children under age 17, Goldstein said. But without mentioning specific areas, he cautioned some swaths of Massachusetts have lower childhood vaccination rates.

“As a precaution, the department has issued an advisory to clinicians to amplify existing guidance for vaccination against measles and to support provider recognition and management of potential cases of measles, should they occur in Massachusetts,” Goldstein said.

In Texas and New Mexico, the measles outbreak has now surpassed 300 cases, causing two deaths among unvaccinated individuals, according to The Hill, surpassing the number of measles cases reported in all of the U.S. last year.

In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 285 cases nationally.

According to the latest update from the Texas Department of State Health Services, 279 measles cases have been reported in the state. In neighboring New Mexico, 38 cases have been confirmed as of March 18, totaling 317 cases across both states.

The infections have primarily occurred in Gaines County, Texas, and Lea County, N.M., which border each other.

There have been two deaths, one in each state, related to the current measles outbreak, both occurring in unvaccinated patients.

The death in Texas was directly attributed to measles, while the cause of death for the New Mexican individual, who tested positive for the virus, is still being investigated.

Of the cases in Texas, 36 have resulted in hospitalizations, while two people have been hospitalized in New Mexico.

Mass. DPH’s clinical advisory warned about a “surge” in measles cases across 12 jurisdictions this year, including in New York City and Rhode Island.

According to the CDC, there have been three measles outbreaks — defined as three or more related cases — reported in 2025, with 93% of cases considered outbreak-associated.

By comparison, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024, with 69% of those cases caused by an outbreak.

Confirmed measles cases have been reported by 15 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.

Mass. DPH instructed providers to consider a measles diagnosis in patients who have a fever above 101 degrees, a rash and a cough, among other symptoms.

Providers should immediately report suspected measles cases to the state, collect a nasal or throat swab from potentially infected individuals, and advise patients to be on the lookout for symptoms after traveling.

Measles can feel like a cold or the flu at first, but individuals will later develop a “red blotchy rash” that starts on their faces and then spreads throughout their body, Goldstein said.

“Measles often causes diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia,” he said. “Most people recover from the acute measles infection in a few weeks, but some cases can result in serious illness, hospitalization and even death.”

Massachusetts this winter has contended with a surge of flu cases, though Goldstein said the state has seen declining “flu activity” in recent weeks.

Unvaccinated individuals in this state have various options to receive that MMR — measles, mumps, rubella — shot.

Besides your primary-care physician’s office or community health center, two major pharmacies — CVS and Walgreens — also carry the vaccine.

At Walgreens, you can schedule a vaccine appointment online at Walgreens.com or through the Walgreens app.

CVS patrons can conveniently make an appointment with a certified immunizer by visiting CVS.com or on the CVS Health app.

Walk-in appointments may also be offered. Contact individual locations for that availability.

When it comes to a highly communicable disease like measles, vigilance represents our most reliable early-warning system.