Tejal Somvanshi
The measles outbreak that began in January 2025 has expanded significantly, with Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma now reporting over 250 cases combined. Two unvaccinated individuals have died from the highly contagious disease, marking the first measles fatalities in the United States in a decade.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state has confirmed 223 cases as of March 11, with Gaines County remaining the epicenter of the outbreak with 156 cases. New Mexico has reported 33 cases, primarily in Lea County which borders Gaines County, and Oklahoma has recently confirmed two cases linked to the outbreak.
Health officials are particularly concerned about the rapid spread, noting that cases increased by 28 in just five days between March 7 and March 11. The outbreak has already led to 29 hospitalizations in Texas alone.
“We consider this a regional outbreak of measles that has been linked geographically and by the strain identified through genome sequencing,” said Robert Nott, communications director for the New Mexico Department of Health.
The overwhelming majority of cases involve unvaccinated individuals. In Texas, officials report that among those with confirmed vaccination status, 80 patients were unvaccinated and only five had received at least one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Similarly, in New Mexico, 27 of the cases were in unvaccinated people, one had received at least one vaccine dose, and five had unclear vaccination status.
The outbreak’s first death occurred in Texas when an unvaccinated school-age child with no underlying health conditions succumbed to the disease. New Mexico subsequently reported that an unvaccinated adult who tested positive for measles had died, though medical examiners are still investigating to confirm measles as the cause of death.
Dr. Catherine Troisi, infectious disease epidemiologist with UTHealth Houston, warns that the reported numbers likely underestimate the true scope of the outbreak. “The issue is when it spreads to communities that don’t have high vaccination rates,” Troisi explained. “So it depends on where the infected person goes to spread measles, to see how far and how many other cases are going to result from it.”
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has deployed a team to Texas including three physicians experienced in infectious disease and four epidemiologists to help track and contain the outbreak. The CDC has also provided 2,000 vaccines to Texas, while the state has brought in 36 additional contractors to assist with vaccination efforts and specimen collection.
Health officials emphasize that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent measles infection. The vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and provides high protection with two doses. However, vaccination rates have been declining in several communities, with nearly one in five children unvaccinated in Gaines County, Texas.
“We must urgently address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation to protect our communities from preventable diseases,” stated Dr. Jennifer Shuford, Texas State Health Commissioner.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism about vaccines, has faced criticism for discussing vitamin A during a Fox News interview. Dallas County Health Director Philip Huang responded, saying, “We really cannot distract from or dilute the primary message that vaccination is the key to addressing this.”
Beyond the southern outbreak, the CDC reports that measles cases have now been identified in 12 states including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. With 222 confirmed cases nationwide since the beginning of January, the U.S. is already approaching last year’s total of 285 cases.
“This is a virus that will spread, certainly, until mid-May. So we have a couple more months of this. We are certainly going to exceed last year’s levels massively,” said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital.
Health departments in affected areas are ramping up vaccination campaigns and urging residents to check their vaccination status. The Texas Department of State Health Services has made vaccines available through the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net Providers programs, and pharmacies can vaccinate people 14 and older without a prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles initially causes a high fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A distinctive rash appears 3-5 days after the first symptoms, beginning as flat red spots on the face that spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash appears, fever may spike above 104°F (40°C).
How contagious is measles?
Measles is extremely contagious. Up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to someone with measles will become infected. The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
Do I need a measles booster shot if I was vaccinated as a child?
Most adults who received two doses of the MMR vaccine as children are considered protected for life. However, adults at high risk of exposure who were vaccinated many years ago might consider a booster if they live in an outbreak area. The CDC doesn’t routinely recommend boosters for most adults with documentation of adequate vaccination.
How is measles treated?
There’s no specific treatment for measles. Medical care focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and keeping patients comfortable. This includes rest, fluids, and medication to reduce fever.
Why is this outbreak spreading so quickly?
The outbreak is spreading rapidly in communities with low vaccination rates. When vaccination coverage falls below 95%, the “herd immunity” that helps protect the whole community from measles begins to break down. In Gaines County, Texas, nearly one in five children are unvaccinated.
Can someone still get measles if they’ve been vaccinated?
While the MMR vaccine is highly effective (93% after one dose), no vaccine is 100% effective. A small number of vaccinated people may still contract measles if exposed, but they typically experience milder symptoms and are less contagious. In the current outbreak, only 5 of the 223 cases in Texas reported receiving at least one vaccine dose.
