Technologies

Measles Cases Spread Across US, Mexico and Canada. Learn How to Protect Yourself

The 2025 measles breakout that first surfaced in West Texas has spread much farther.

While the big measles news in 2025 has focused on the major outbreak in West Texas and New Mexico, the deadly virus has spread much farther than the US Southwest. Illinois, Missouri and North Dakota have all confirmed measles cases in recent days.

The outbreak of measles has spread to countries that border the US as well — Ontario, Canada, has reported a whopping 1,383 cases since its outbreak began, and Chihuahua, Mexico, has reported 713 cases too.

According to the CDC, two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, while one dose is 93% effective. It is uncommon for someone who is fully vaccinated to develop measles, although the first breakthrough case of 2025 was recently detected in Colorado.

To learn more about measles symptoms and whether you need to get vaccinated again, we spoke with doctors for their expert insights.

What does measles look like in adults and children?

Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses with a number of symptoms to look out for — most notably a rash and fever, according to the CDC. The virus is spread through the air, and once infected, measles attacks your respiratory tract.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that there is no cure for measles, and measles just has to «run its course.» However, the best protection from it is a measles vaccine, which is typically given to babies in the form of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.

Measles typically manifests at first as a «very specific rash that starts from the face and spreads down your body,» says Dr. Yoshua Quinones, board-certified internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan. Other common side symptoms to watch out for include «high fever, cough, runny nose and watery or red eyes.»

Quinones adds, «Occasionally, you may see small white spots inside your mouth. These are named Koplik spots.»

While measles can and will make anyone sick, the CDC reports that it is especially dangerous for children younger than 5. This is because children have undeveloped immune systems and are at a higher risk of illnesses, making them vulnerable — especially if they haven’t been vaccinated.

How does the measles vaccine work?

The measles vaccine protects people from getting measles. It’s known as the MMR, because it’s combined with the vaccines for mumps (a contagious viral infection that affects the salivary glands) and rubella (another contagious viral infection that typically starts with a red facial rash). You may also see the MMRV, which includes a vaccine for varicella or chickenpox.

«The vaccine is a live virus that is introducing a very weak form of measles so your body can practice fighting it off,» says Quinones. «This will prepare your immune system to fight against measles if you’re exposed.»

One dose is typically given during infancy, with a second dose to follow a few years later. The vaccination is especially important for children because their immune systems are weaker. This is why both doses are recommended before they are in school, where they will be exposed to more children (and more germs).

Who should get the measles vaccine?

Measles vaccines are typically given to all children. The first vaccine is usually given between 12 and 15 months of age and the second one is given between 4 and 6 years of age before children go to school, according to the CDC. The ages can vary, though, as long as the doses are properly spaced out.

Vaccines can also be given to adults who haven’t previously been vaccinated or are not immune, although they typically only get one dose. Dr. Omar Al-Heeti, an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University who practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases, and one of CNET’s medical reviewers, adds that adults born during or after 1957 should have at least one dose of the MMR vaccine or presumptive evidence of immunity.

According to Al-Heeti, presumptive evidence of immunity is defined as one of the following:

Written documentation of vaccination with two doses of live measles or MMR vaccine administered at least 28 days apart
Laboratory evidence of immunity (positive serum IgG)
Laboratory confirmation of disease
Birth before 1957 (According to the CDC, although birth before 1957 is considered presumptive evidence of immunity, for unvaccinated health-care personnel (HCP) born before 1957 who lack laboratory evidence of measles immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease, health-care facilities should consider vaccinating personnel with two doses of MMR vaccine at the appropriate interval.)

The CDC recommends that adults who work in the health-care field, attend college or university, or travel internationally get two doses separated by at least 28 days, as they are deemed to be at higher risk for acquiring the infection.

Should you get a measles booster if you were already vaccinated?

Despite the ongoing measles outbreak, there is likely no need to get an additional measles vaccine — unless you aren’t fully vaccinated already or have proven immunity (previous infection/exposure).

«If someone is fully vaccinated against measles (two doses) and has not had a major immunocompromising condition occur (e.g., organ transplant), their immunity should be sufficient with no need for further dosages,» says Amesh A. Adalja, an infectious disease specialist and a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

The first measles vaccine dose is usually given to infants and toddlers, with the second dose given during the childhood years. If the second dose was never given, someone could be at higher risk for measles and would, in fact, benefit from another measles vaccine now.

A recent report noted that some people originally vaccinated in the 1970s and 1980s may need a new vaccine because the original wore off. This could be because they were only given one dose and the vaccine has evolved since then, and it was potentially not caught in some people’s medical records.

«If you already have your full series, you don’t need an additional dose; however, I highly recommend checking your titers if you have any doubts,» Quinones says. «An extra shot will never add extra protection because you’re very well protected.» According to Mount Sinai, an antibody titer test measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample to see which vaccines you may need.

Ask your primary care doctor to check your vaccination status to see if your MMR vaccination is up to date and to see if you may need a booster. If it’s current and you are not immunocompromised, you likely do not need an extra shot. The CDC also notes that adults who have received a single dose and have «presumptive evidence of immunity» — documentation of vaccination or immunity — don’t need to get another one.

Who shouldn’t get the measles vaccine?

While the measles vaccine is generally considered safe, some groups of people are advised to avoid it. Quinones recommends that pregnant people not get the vaccine. It is also advised to wait at least a month after giving birth before getting a vaccine.

The CDC also recommends that people who had an allergic reaction to the first MMR vaccine hold off on getting the second dose. In addition, people with any «severe, life-threatening» allergies should consult their doctor before getting vaccinated because it may not be safe.

Those with weakened immune systems should also consult their doctor about getting the vaccine, especially if it is because of disease or medical treatment. If immunodeficiencies run in the family, this could also cause an issue with the shots.

The vaccines can also potentially react with recent blood transfusions so it’s not recommended to get the MMR or MMRV within at least three months of receiving blood from someone. You should also not get the vaccine if you currently have tuberculosis or bruise or bleed easily, according to the CDC.

The MMR doses need to be spaced out by at least 28 days, and you should also not get one of these doses if you’ve had another vaccine within 28 days as well. It’s also important to let your health-care provider know if you’ve been sick recently — with any sort of illness — so they can advise if it’s still safe to vaccinate. If you’re a parent bringing in a child for vaccination, also advise the doctor if the baby has been sick or shown any previous symptoms of concern.

Or if you were born before 1957, you may already have immunity.

Is the measles vaccine safe?

According to medical experts and the CDC, the measles vaccine is safe and effective. Some slight side effects may occur after getting the shot, but they are generally minor and go away quickly.

«The measles vaccine may cause fever, chills and muscle aches/pains in the days after injection,» Adalja said.

Quinones also points out that it’s possible to feel sore at the injection site following the shot.

Beyond this, the CDC reports that it’s possible to see some swelling in the cheeks or neck and in rare cases, a bleeding disorder that will eventually resolve itself. In more severe cases, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the vaccine, which would require calling 911 right away, especially if there’s trouble breathing, intense swelling or dizziness.

The CDC also reports a small link between the MMR vaccine and febrile seizures, but it is rare and not linked to long-term effects. However, the organization recommends that parents vaccinate their children early to lessen the chances of this occurring.

The CDC also calls out the notion that vaccines were once linked to autism and shuts down any possibility that the two are related to each other, citing experts and research. The CDC states, «There is no link between autism and vaccines that contain thimerosal as a preservative.»

Does health insurance cover the measles vaccine?

Typically, all Health Insurance Marketplace plans and private insurance plans offer the MMR vaccine (as well as other common vaccines) without charging a copayment or coinsurance, as long as you’re with an in-network provider, according to the CDC. Medicare likely also covers the vaccine, whether on Part B or Part D, and so does Medicaid, but it’s always best to double-check with your medical facility and with Medicare or Medicaid to be certain.

Military benefits can also vary depending on coverage, but the MMR vaccine will most likely be covered, as the CDC recommends it be covered across the board.

The bottom line

Despite the outbreak that is currently happening in the United States, people do not need to get another measles vaccine if they’ve already sufficiently been vaccinated. However, doctors suggest checking with your health-care provider if you have any concerns about the efficacy of the vaccinations you received and to find out if a booster shot could be necessary, especially if there is an outbreak in your community. If so, experts make it clear that the measles vaccine is safe and will protect you from the virus.

Technologies

Investors Favor Alphabet’s AI Spending Over Meta’s Despite Both Beating Earnings Expectations

Despite both Meta and Alphabet surpassing earnings expectations and raising AI spending forecasts, investors reacted differently, with Alphabet’s stock rising 7% while Meta’s fell 7%, highlighting the market’s preference for companies with cloud infrastructure that can monetize AI investments.

On Wednesday, both Meta and Alphabet surpassed analyst expectations in their quarterly earnings, marking their most robust growth in several years. The companies also raised their annual capital expenditure projections, signaling a continued commitment to investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure.

However, Wall Street responded differently to the two tech giants. Alphabet’s stock surged 7% in after-hours trading, whereas Meta’s shares dropped by 7%.

This divergence continues a pattern that has weighed on Meta during much of the generative AI expansion. Unlike Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon, which operate vast cloud infrastructure businesses that convert AI investments into revenue, Meta lacks such a division.

Consequently, convincing investors of the return on AI spending is more challenging for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, as the benefits must primarily manifest through higher ad revenue and improved profitability.

All four major tech firms released their quarterly results on Wednesday. While Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon reported cloud divisions that outperformed expectations, Meta was the only one among them to see its stock decline.

Leading up to the earnings releases, Alphabet’s stock had climbed 118% over the past year, significantly outpacing Meta’s 21% gain. Amazon rose 40%, and Microsoft increased by approximately 8%.

«Google is outperforming its peers which is well reflected in the current valuation,» analysts at D.A. Davidson wrote in a report after the results, maintaining their neutral rating.

The capital expenditure figures across the board are staggering and continue to grow, partly because companies are spending more on memory due to a global shortage driven by surging AI demand.

Alphabet updated its 2026 capex guidance range to $180 billion to $190 billion, up from its previous estimate of $175 billion to $185 billion. CFO Anat Ashkenazi said the company’s 2027 capex is expected to «significantly increase» from this year’s figure.

The spending forecast was coupled with revenue growth of 20%, the fastest for any quarter since 2022. Cloud revenue soared 63%, and Alphabet said it has a backlog of $460 billion, nearly double where it was last quarter, because of demand for AI infrastructure.

Defending the Spending

Meta upped its capex guidance for the year to between $125 billion and $145 billion, from a prior range of $115 billion to $135 billion, a move the company said, «reflects our expectations for higher component pricing this year and, to a lesser extent, additional data center costs to support future year capacity.»

Similar to when Meta raised its capex forecast in October, Zuckerberg spent time on the earnings call defending the company’s hefty AI spending, pitching it as necessary for future growth while bolstering the core online ad business.

«The trend over the last few years seems clear, that we are seeing an increasing return on the amount that we can improve engagement for people and value for advertisers,» Zuckerberg said. «This encourages us to continue investing heavily in what we expect will provide increasing value over the coming years as well.»

On the revenue side, growth is more impressive than at Google. Sales jumped 33% from a year earlier, marking the strongest period for expansion since 2021.

Zuckerberg said the company is «very focused on increasing the efficiency of our investments,» and is developing custom silicon with Broadcom while investing in a «significant amount of AMD chips to complement the new Nvidia systems that we’re rolling out as well.»

Meta CFO Susan Li told analysts that the company needs to spend big on AI in order to «meet our infrastructure needs and ensure we maximize our strategic flexibility over the coming years.» The company also has to ensure it has enough computing resources to train more AI models, build more products and help its AI agent push for consumers and businesses worldwide, Li said.

She added that Meta’s recent «multi-year cloud deals and our infrastructure purchase agreements» contributed to a $107 billion jump in contractual commitments during the quarter.

Still, investors are waiting to see new revenue streams come to fruition after Zuckerberg spent the past 10 months overhauling his company’s AI strategy and bringing in high-priced talent. Earlier this month, Meta debuted Muse Spark as its first proprietary foundation model.

Alphabet, meanwhile, has been cashing in on its bets, including on homegrown chips called tensor processing units (TPUs), which are increasingly competing with Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs).

CEO Sundar Pichai addressed the momentum in the chip side of the business several times on Wednesday’s call.

«There’s tremendous demand for both AI solutions as well as AI infrastructure, including massive interest in our GPU offerings, as well as TPUs,» he said.

WATCH: Meta shares sliding

Technologies

Alphabet’s Q1 Earnings Expected to Reflect Sustained Expansion, Driven by Cloud Division

Alphabet’s Q1 earnings are expected to show strong growth driven by cloud and AI advancements, with revenue projected to rise 18.7% year-over-year. The company’s stock has surged 118% over the past year, supported by Gemini AI integration and expanding cloud infrastructure investments.

Alphabet is scheduled to release its first-quarter financial results after market close on Wednesday. Below are the key metrics Wall Street anticipates, based on analyst estimates from LSEG: — Earnings per share: $2.63 — Revenue: $107.2 billion Investors are also tracking several additional figures in the upcoming report: — Google Cloud: Estimated at $18.05 billion, per StreetAccount — YouTube advertising: Estimated at $9.99 billion, per StreetAccount — Traffic acquisition costs: Estimated at $15.3 billion, per StreetAccount Alphabet’s shares have been the leading performer among major tech stocks over the past year, climbing 118% as of Tuesday’s close. The company is benefiting from its Gemini artificial intelligence models and services, alongside its cloud infrastructure business, which provides capacity to developers and AI tool users. Analysts forecast an 18.7% increase in revenue from $90.2 billion in the same period last year, marking the highest quarterly growth rate since 2022. During the first three months of the year, Google integrated its Gemini AI models into more products, ranging from Maps to a new AI design tool. Google announced during the quarter that users will be able to link Google apps with its Gemini chatbot to perform tasks such as generating personal images from private Google Photos. Google is experiencing significant growth from its cloud division, which competes with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. Revenue is projected to surge 47% from $12.26 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Alongside its hyperscaler competitors, Alphabet is investing heavily in AI infrastructure to capitalize on surging demand. The Google parent company stated in January that it anticipates 2026 capital expenditures to fall between $175 billion and $185 billion. The upper end of this forecast would exceed double its 2025 capex spending, and Wednesday’s report will be the first update from the company since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in February, causing oil prices to spike. Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta are also set to release quarterly results after the bell on Wednesday. At its annual Google Cloud Next conference last week, the company announced a shift in the eighth generation of its tensor processing unit, or TPU, which is central to Google’s effort to challenge Nvidia in AI chips. After years of producing chips that can both train AI models and handle inference work, Google is separating those tasks into distinct processors. Alphabet’s investments may also be a focus for investors. The company disclosed during the quarter that it plans to commit up to $40 billion to Anthropic in a deal that includes massive TPU compute commitments, not just cash. Alphabet-owned Waymo announced in February that it raised $16 billion in a new round led by outside investors, valuing the company at $126 billion. Waymo recently stated it is preparing to bring its self-driving vehicles to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. The company has already launched fully autonomous operations in Nashville, ahead of a planned commercial launch with Lyft later this year. The company also reduced some equity stakes. Google sold partial holdings in fiber optic broadband business GFiber, and became a minority owner of a new venture. Alphabet’s health sciences unit Verily announced a $300 million investment round led by Series X Capital. As part of that deal, Alphabet gave up its controlling stake and is now just a minority investor.

Technologies

Amazon to Release First-Quarter Financials Following Market Close

Amazon is set to release its first-quarter financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, with Wall Street anticipating a 14% revenue increase to $177.3 billion.

Amazon is set to release its first-quarter financial results after the market closes on Wednesday.

Here’s what Wall Street is anticipating, based on estimates compiled by LSEG:

— Earnings per share: $1.64

— Revenue: $177.3 billion

Wall Street is also tracking other key revenue figures:

— Amazon Web Services: $36.92 billion expected, according to StreetAccount

— Advertising: $16.87 billion expected, according to StreetAccount

Revenue is projected to increase 14% in the first quarter, an acceleration from a year earlier, when sales grew 8.6% to $155.7 billion, and roughly in line with last quarter’s 13.6% growth.

Investors will be closely watching Amazon’s cloud business, where revenue is expected to jump roughly 26% from a year ago. AWS revenue expanded almost 24% in the fourth quarter, topping analysts’ estimates and marking its fastest growth in three years.

Amazon and other big tech companies have been trying to justify their hefty artificial intelligence spending, which could approach $700 billion in 2026. Fellow hyperscalers Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta are also scheduled to report results after the bell on Wednesday, the first time the group will be updating Wall Street on capex since the start of the U.S.-Iran war in February.

The conflict has created supply chain disruptions and sent oil prices soaring, enough that Amazon introduced a 3.5% fuel surcharge for some of its third-party sellers.

Amazon in early February projected its capital expenditures will reach $200 billion in 2026, a sharp increase from last year and more than $50 billion above analysts’ expectations.

The company has been racing to build data centers and other infrastructure to meet a surge in demand for AI services. Last quarter Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said AWS could be growing even faster if it had more capacity, noting there’s “very high demand” from customers for both core and AI workloads.

Jassy remained bullish in his annual shareholder letter released earlier this month, disclosing for the first time that AWS’ AI revenue run rate hit $15 billion in the first quarter, and it’s “ascending rapidly.”

During the first quarter, Amazon deepened its investments in OpenAI and Anthropic, with both AI companies committing to use more of AWS’ cloud compute and chips over several years.

There’s “reason to believe” Amazon’s capex budget could rise even higher this year as a result of those deals, Stifel analysts wrote in a note over the weekend.

“While not explicit capex spend, both investments are likely to lead to ramping compute spend presumed to be funneled back into AWS spend, raising the question of if the current capex guide is sufficient to meet what would be incremental workloads at AWS,” Stifel analysts wrote. The firm has a buy rating on Amazon’s shares.

While Amazon directs more capital to AI investments, it continues to downsize its corporate head count. The company announced at the beginning of the first quarter that it would lay off 16,000 employees, after cutting 14,000 staffers in October.

Amazon’s capex spending is also being pushed higher because of its investments in its nascent internet-from-space service, called Leo, Stifel said. The company is aiming to begin commercial service in mid-2026.

Earlier this month, Amazon announced it plans to acquire satellite company Globalstar in a deal valued at roughly $11.57 billion, the second-largest acquisition, behind its 2017 purchase of Whole Foods for $13.7 billion.

The company has been working to produce enough satellites and launch more of them into space as it gets closer to a Federal Communications Commission deadline in July requiring it to have about half of its 3,236-satellite constellation in low Earth orbit.

Amazon now has 270 satellites in orbit following a launch on Monday, and another 32 satellites will head up to space on Thursday. The company has asked the FCC for an extension, but has yet to receive approval, while its primary satellite internet rival, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, urged the agency to reject Amazon’s request.

WATCH: Amazon needs to spend more to keep AWS as premier AI play