Measles transmission in the United States and Canada continues to increase, including recent cases of measles reported in other New England states. Measles cases have been increasing rapidly in the US since early 2025 with large, extended outbreaks as fewer people have gotten the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Before that, most measles cases were tied to international travel. Measles is still common in many countries and easily spreads through communities of unvaccinated people. Unvaccinated travelers to and from those areas of the US and other countries can spread it to others.

Measles can be severe. In 2025, 1 out of every 10 people diagnosed with measles in the US was hospitalized and 3 people died from measles. Complications include diarrhea, middle ear infections, pneumonia, hepatitis, and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Learn more about measles

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) encourages administrators of educational and congregate settings to use the facility-specific checklists and other resources listed below to prepare for the possibility of measles cases.

CDC Resources

• Measles (Rubeola)
• US Measles Cases and Outbreaks
• The Be Ready for Measles Toolkit offers outbreak and general measles communication tools in English and Spanish such as fact sheets, flyers, social media graphics, and videos. Note that some materials are specific to areas with active outbreaks and should not be used in Rhode Island at this time. This toolkit also offers checklists to prepare and respond to measles in various settings:
  
  • Correctional Facilities
  • Early Care and Education Centers
  • Institutions of Higher Education
  • K12 Schools
  • Shelters
  • Summer Camps

RIDOH Resources

• Measles Information
• Measles Information for Healthcare Professionals
• Measles Social Media Posts 

Other Resources

• MMR Vaccine Recommendations, AAP
• Need Help Responding to Vaccine-Hesitant Parents?, Immunize.org