Tejal Somvanshi
The 2025 measles outbreak in the western United States has now surpassed last year’s national total, with cases quickly multiplying across Texas and New Mexico. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely as the outbreak, centered in Gaines County, Texas, shows signs of continued spread.
Latest Numbers Show Rapid Growth
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, cases in Texas have reached 259 as of March 14, with 36 new cases reported in just three days. The outbreak has expanded to 11 counties in Texas, with Gaines County reporting the highest concentration at 174 cases.
New Mexico has confirmed 35 cases, primarily in Lea County bordering Texas, with two new cases recently identified in Eddy County. Oklahoma has reported two “probable” cases linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.
“Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities,” the Texas Department of State Health Services stated in their latest update.
Deaths Highlight Serious Nature of the Outbreak
The outbreak has resulted in two fatalities, marking the first measles deaths in the United States in nearly a decade.
In February, an unvaccinated school-aged child with no known underlying conditions died in Texas. More recently, an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico who tested positive for measles also died, though the official cause of death remains under investigation.
Vaccination Status at the Center of Concern
Nearly all cases involve unvaccinated individuals. Of the 259 Texas cases, only two occurred in people who had received the recommended two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The remaining 257 cases were in unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status.
The outbreak’s epicenter, Gaines County, has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Texas, with only 82% of kindergarteners vaccinated against measles. Approximately 18% of kindergarten students in the county have received exemptions from at least one vaccine.
“The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a vaccine against measles,” the Texas Department of State Health Services emphasized. The CDC reports that one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective, while two doses provide 97% protection.
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Children and Teens Most Affected
The outbreak has disproportionately affected young people. In Texas:
- 115 cases involve children and teens between ages 5 and 17
- 86 cases are in children 4 years old or younger
- 46 cases are in adults 18 and older
- 12 cases have pending age data
Nationwide Impact and Global Context
The CDC has confirmed 301 measles cases across at least 14 states so far in 2025, already exceeding the 285 cases reported in the entire previous year. NBC News has tallied 320 cases across 16 states based on state health department data.
This outbreak occurs amid a global surge in measles. European and Central Asian countries reported more than 127,000 measles cases last year, the highest since 1997 and double the number in 2023. Worldwide, measles cases increased by 20% from 2022 to 2023.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, called the situation “a wake-up call,” urging countries to “step up efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities.”
Public Health Response
Health authorities have established vaccination clinics in affected areas and are working to investigate the outbreak. The CDC recommends that unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated, especially before travel.
For infants as young as 6 months who live in areas with an outbreak, an early dose of the vaccine is now recommended. The standard vaccination schedule calls for the first dose between 12-15 months and the second between 4-6 years.
“The large majority of Lea County residents are vaccinated and well-protected even if they come into contact with the virus,” said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for the New Mexico Department of Health. “Most confirmed measles cases involve people unvaccinated.”
Hospital Impact
At least 34 people have been hospitalized in Texas, with the number increasing by five in recent days. Two people are currently hospitalized in New Mexico.
Health officials expect the case count to continue rising as the outbreak persists in communities with lower vaccination rates.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After 3-5 days, a rash appears, starting on the face and spreading downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. When the rash appears, fever may spike above 104°F. While most children recover, measles can lead to complications including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. One dose provides about 93% protection against measles, while two doses are approximately 97% effective. This is why health officials emphasize complete vaccination as the best protection against the disease.
How contagious is measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. An infected person can spread it to up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people they come in contact with. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, making it extremely easy to transmit in public spaces.
Do vaccinated people need a booster shot?
Most vaccinated adults don’t need a booster. Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally don’t need additional measles shots. This includes written documentation of adequate vaccination, lab confirmation of past infection, or being born before 1957. If there are concerns about waning immunity, getting another MMR shot is safe according to the CDC.
Why has measles returned despite being eliminated in the U.S.?
While measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 (meaning it’s not continuously spreading), occasional outbreaks still occur. These are typically triggered by travelers bringing the virus from countries where measles is still common, and then spreading in communities with lower vaccination rates. Declining vaccination rates in recent years have made communities more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Who is most at risk for serious complications from measles?
Children under 5 years old, adults over 20 years old, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious complications from measles. According to the CDC, roughly 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children with measles die from respiratory and neurological complications.
