Rising Cases and Fatalities in Texas and New Mexico
A growing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has now reached nearly 320 confirmed cases, with health officials reporting two measles-related deaths among unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak, concentrated in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, has led to an increase in hospitalizations and concerns over further spread.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles is an airborne virus that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing. Although it was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, recent outbreaks highlight the dangers of declining immunization rates.
As of this week, Texas health officials confirmed 279 measles cases across 11 counties, with 36 hospitalizations. New Mexico reported 38 cases, with most concentrated in Lea County and a smaller cluster in Eddy County. Two individuals in New Mexico have been hospitalized due to complications. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has reported two probable cases linked to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, raising concerns about regional transmission.
The outbreak has already resulted in two fatalities—a school-aged child in Texas last month and an adult in New Mexico last week. Health experts warn that without increased vaccination efforts, the situation could worsen.
Measles Outbreak Cases Emerge in Multiple States
Beyond Texas and New Mexico, measles cases have been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. According to the CDC, an outbreak is defined as three or more related cases, and the U.S. has already seen three such outbreaks in 2025.
Health officials say that measles cases in the U.S. often originate from travelers who contract the disease abroad and bring it back to communities with low vaccination rates. A similar situation in 2019 led to 1,274 measles cases, nearly jeopardizing the U.S.’s elimination status.
Vaccination and Prevention Measures of Measles Outbreak
The most effective way to prevent measles is through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC recommends that children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between 4 and 6 years. Adults who were vaccinated decades ago may consider a booster shot if they live in an outbreak area or have close contact with an infected person.
Those with “presumptive immunity,” such as individuals born before 1957 or those with documented past infections, generally do not need additional vaccination. However, individuals uncertain about their immunity can request a lab test called an MMR titer to check antibody levels.
Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a rash that spreads across the body. While most children recover, severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death can occur.
With childhood vaccination rates declining since the COVID-19 pandemic, more parents are opting out of required immunizations. Experts stress that maintaining herd immunity (above 95% vaccination rates) is critical to preventing widespread outbreaks. As measles cases continue to rise, health officials urge the public to stay informed and ensure vaccination protection.
