Tracking measles: April 18

Montana, Missouri newly affected

This series tracks measles alerts that might not make major headlines. After discovering a measles exposure in my area that I almost missed, I created these updates to help others stay informed. Paid subscribers receive brief, skimmable reports twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays) on new cases nationwide. New: I plan to continue these reports through at least May.

The following jurisdictions have reported measles cases since Tuesday. I made some exceptions to that time window where noted. States are in alphabetical order.

General updates

• As of yesterday, 800 confirmed cases have already been reported in 2025. There have been 10 outbreaks (meaning 3 or more cases). Most cases (nearly 600) have been reported in Texas. However, there are also outbreaks in multiple other states.

• Canada has reported 880 cases, including 149 in the most recent reporting week. Ontario is most affected by far. At least 360 cases have been reported in Mexico.

• Federal cuts to public health funding are challenging response efforts.

  • The New York Times reported that “In a public meeting Tuesday, David Sugerman, a C.D.C. senior scientist, said recent threats to local public health funding meant the agency was now “scraping to find the resources” to support Texas and other states grappling with outbreaks. On average, each measles case costs between $30,000 and $50,000 in public health response work, he said.”

  • I do worry that financial constraints will intensify. A preliminary budget draft includes massive cuts to CDC. One thing that appears to be on the chopping block is the $735M program that goes to state and local health departments to support public health emergency preparedness. But the budget draft is a proposal, not a final plan, so we will see what Congress decides.

• I find it interesting that not every state is publicly reporting exposed locations. The decision rests with state and local health departments. Texas, notably, is not publishing exposed locations. New Jersey and Michigan stand out to me as two states with extensive public reporting.

Arkansas

No new cases announced. The state’s total remains at 2. Exposed locations arising from those two cases include Arkansas Pediatrics of Conway, the Arkansas Children’s Emergency Department, Baptist Health Urgent Care in Benton, Saline Memoral Hospital Emergency Department, and Benton Family Clinic.