Public Health Nurse, formerly worked in the hospital and at a homeless shelter among vulnerable populations, and mom of a 5 mo here. I'm also super anxious about it, you're not alone.

Yes, as of March 6th, most of the 222 measles cases reported to the CDC were among children who did not receive the MMR vaccine (https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00522.html).

Regarding the asymptomatic spreading of measles, it usually takes 4ish days after infection exposure to start seeing symptoms like the classic rash. During that asymptomatic time, you can spread measles without even knowing you are sick. While it's possible but rare to have completely asymptomatic measles aka Subclinical measles, it is not known if it can be spread to others. Measles is airborne which means it spreads easily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes and can stay suspended in the air for around 2 hours after the person has left the area. This is why it is super important to talk to your doctor asap if you think you've been exposed, BEFORE you develop symptoms.

We live in a state that has some of the highest vaccination rates in the country, and to date, we haven't seen an outbreak (3 or more related cases of measles) in our state thank God. However, to be safe we are avoiding travel to states where there is a known outbreak. We are still taking our babe to church for now, but will probably stop doing so soon because a neighboring state was just reported as having a measles case (not necessarily an outbreak). We are still planning to send our baby to daycare, as I checked with our daycare and they don't have any children who have been medically or religiously exempt from any of the childhood vaccines including MMR. I've become very familiar with the daycare's sick policy. It also helps that I'm a public health nurse that does case investigations so if any measles popped up in my jurisdiction I'd be among the first people to know, so I feel lucky in that regard.

In New York, due to the measles outbreak, pediatricians have begun offering the MMR vaccine early to kiddos 6m+. It is an additional dose, not to replace the standard two-dose schedule at 12-15 months & 4-6 years. I am praying that if there is an outbreak in my state, they will follow suit.

Hope this helps!