A tragic measles outbreak in Texas has resulted in at least 124 reported cases since late January, mostly among unvaccinated children and teens or those with uncertain vaccination status.
Sadly, a school-aged child died, becoming the first fatality in this outbreak, which has also impacted the health of New Mexico.
Where is the measles outbreak in Texas?
The outbreak, already shaping up to be one of the largest in Texas in more than three decades, has been concentrated largely in the state’s western region, specifically Gaines County, home to a large Mennonite community known for having lower vaccination rates.
Health officials have confirmed that the deceased child lived in this county, raising alarm among public health experts.
The outbreak has also crossed the borders of Texas and has affected New Mexico , specifically Lea County, where nine cases have been recorded, four of them in children under 18, none of whom were vaccinated.
Although these cases have not required hospitalization, authorities continue to closely monitor the situation, as the virus can spread rapidly in unprotected areas.
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How is measles spread?
Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that can be fatal, especially for unvaccinated people. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain active in the air for up to two hours. An infected person can infect up to 18 others, making the virus a potential danger in communities with low immunization rates.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Initial symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After a few days, a characteristic rash appears , starting on the face and spreading across the body.
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While most people recover within a few weeks, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death in rare cases.
According to the CDC, for every 1,000 children who get measles, one or two will die. Additionally, the virus weakens the immune system, making those infected more vulnerable to other infections for several months after recovering from the illness.
This risk is even greater in communities with low vaccination rates, where the virus can spread rapidly and affect large numbers of people in a short period of time.
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Why don’t people get vaccinated?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, measles vaccination rates dropped dramatically and have not yet returned to levels needed to prevent the spread of the disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the 2023-2024 school year, fewer than 93% of kindergarteners had received the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, compared to the recommended goal of 95%.
This decline in immunization rates has been fueled in part by the growing influence of anti-vaccine movements , which have focused their efforts on discrediting the safety and efficacy of vaccines, including the MMR vaccine. This misinformation campaign has left many communities vulnerable to outbreaks that could have been prevented.
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Gaines County , Texas, home to thousands of Mennonites, has been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak. This Christian community has historically been vaccine-averse, and in 2023, only 82% of its population had received the MMR vaccine, a figure below the 95% threshold needed to prevent measles outbreaks.
Health officials have said the outbreak likely began in this community and has spread to other nearby counties with similarly low vaccination rates.
How many cases of measles are there?
In 2024, there were 285 cases of measles in the United States, and 16 in 2023. So far in 2025, the number of infections has already reached nearly half that number.
Although federal authorities have stated that they are closely monitoring the situation, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assured that they are working to contain it and assess its scope, although all indications are that it is limited to the Mennonite community.
Authorities encourage parents and caregivers to ensure their children are fully vaccinated. Administering two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect children against measles and prevent the spread of the virus in the community.
