Doctors have time and again reiterated the importance of the MMR vaccine as one of the most effective ones in the market
Since the beginning of this year, more than 800 people in the United States have been detected with measles, with the majority of those from West Texas—where an outbreak shows no signs of abating. According to the federal data, most of those affected are among the people who are not vaccinated, but 3 per cent of the identified cases are breakthrough infections.
Experts say those who get sick despite being either partially or fully vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shot are also there. Infectious disease doctors have time and again reiterated the importance of the MMR vaccine—as one of the most effective ones in the market—but a small number of people, despite being vaccinated with all do may also get sick during a large outbreak.
One dose of the MMR vaccine is said to be 93 per cent effective at preventing measles, with the second dose increasing that to 97 per cent.
In the latest outbreak, many people have written on social media regarding getting breakthrough infection—which makes them seriously unwell, which experts agree is "possible". However, many say that it is also possible that those affected may not have realised they were not fully vaccinated against measles.
What are the symptoms of breakthrough measles infection?
According to research, when breakthrough infections occur, the MMR vaccine tends to provide some partial protection. And so, if they get an infection, the version could be very mild—often known as modified measles. In this, a person may have a faint rash, which could be less widespread across the body and fainter. Fever is also less common or lower grade as compared to classic measles, in which the fever can spike to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Also, other classic symptoms like cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, or red eyes, may still occur, but often less intense. Experts also say breakthrough cases are generally less contagious but still a potential source of transmission. People are contagious four days before and four days after the rash begins, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Why does breakthrough infection occur?
According to experts, those experiencing severe symptoms from a breakthrough infection may have just had a single vaccine dose, which does give significant protection but not as much as compared to the two full doses.
According to doctors, unlike influenza or COVID-19, measles is an extremely stable virus that evolves to evade vaccine-induced immunity over time. According to Mayo Clinic, there is a near-zero probability of a novel measles virus naturally emerging with the capability of circumventing the MMR vaccine.
Louisiana, Missouri, and Virginia report their first cases
Meanwhile, Louisiana, Missouri, and Virginia have all reported their first measles cases in 2025, and they say all three patients’ cases are linked to international travel. The most recently announced case in northwest Virginia is a child in the 0 to 4-year age range who had recently travelled internationally, according to the state’s health department.
Officials have not clarified whether the child was vaccinated against the virus.
According to news reports, the Louisiana case is an adult from the southeast of the state who was not vaccinated against measles, according to the Department of Health. The patient received treatment at a hospital and is in isolation, where they will remain until they are no longer infectious.
Also, the Missouri measles case also involves a child “associated with recent international travel”.
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