The number of measles cases associated with an outbreak in western Texas has grown to 259, according to new data released Friday.

Less than three full months into 2025, US measles cases have outpaced last year’s total, as a worrying outbreak linked to two deaths continues to spread.

Only two and a half months into the new year, the measles cases recorded from the U.S. have already surpassed the total cases reported for all of 2024, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

By Julie Steenhuysen CHICAGO (Reuters) -Vaccine critic Dave Weldon, President Donald Trump's pick to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will face rising measles cases and bird flu threats at an agency already in turmoil from staff cuts and public distrust over the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Donald Trump's nominee to run the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, David Weldon, will tell lawmakers on Thursday he plans to recommend the measles vaccines for children, Bloomberg News reported.

David Weldon, President Donald Trump’s pick to run the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said he’d recommend children get measles vaccines in prepared testimony for his hearing in Congress Thursday.

“Infected people are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward. The incubation period for measles, from exposure to fever, is usually about 7-10 days, and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 10-14 days (with a range of 7 to 21 days),” the CDC says.

Older adults may lack protection. Here's the scoop on your risk, how to test immunity and where to find affordable boosters.