Measles outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico have surged to over 250 cases, resulting in the tragic deaths of two unvaccinated individuals due to measles-related complications.
Measles, an airborne viral infection, is known for its high contagion rate, easily transmitting through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even breathing. This disease is preventable through vaccination and was declared eliminated in the U.S. as of 2000.
Here’s what you need to know about the current measles situation in the U.S.
As of Tuesday, Texas state health officials reported 25 new measles cases, bringing the state’s total to 223. Currently, 29 individuals in Texas are hospitalized due to the virus.
New Mexico officials indicated that there are 30 cases in Lea County, which borders the West Texas areas heavily affected by the outbreak.
Last month, a school-aged child succumbed to measles in Texas, and New Mexico reported its first measles-related death in an adult last week.
Measles cases have also been reported in various states including Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an outbreak is classified as three or more related cases, and there have been three clusters identified as outbreaks in 2025.
In the U.S., outbreaks are often linked to individuals who contracted the virus abroad and can proliferate in communities with low vaccination rates.
The most effective prevention against measles is receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first dose is recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months, with a second dose advised between 4 to 6 years old.
Individuals at high risk of infection, especially those with their initial vaccinations many years ago, may want to consider a booster if they reside in an outbreak area. This includes family members of infected individuals or those who are particularly susceptible to respiratory illnesses due to pre-existing conditions.
Generally, adults with confirmed immunity do not require additional measles vaccinations, as per CDC guidelines. Evidence of immunity can include documented vaccination, laboratory confirmation of a past infection, or being born before 1957.
A blood test known as an MMR titer can be ordered to assess measles antibody levels, though health experts do not always endorse this approach, and insurance coverage may differ.
Receiving an additional MMR shot is typically safe if concerns about immunity arise, according to CDC recommendations.
Individuals who received a live measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need revaccination, but those vaccinated with an ineffective “killed” virus vaccine prior to 1968 should receive at least one dose of the current vaccine.
Measles primarily affects the respiratory system, then spreads throughout the body, manifesting with symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a distinctive rash.
The rash typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms, starting as flat red spots on the face and progressing downward across the neck, trunk, and extremities. Fever may exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit at this stage, as noted by CDC.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles; efforts are focused on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications where possible.
Communities maintaining a vaccination rate above 95% can establish herd immunity, making it more challenging for diseases like measles to spread.
Unfortunately, childhood vaccination rates have declined across the nation since the pandemic, with an increase in parents opting for exemptions due to personal beliefs or religious reasons.
The U.S. experienced a notable increase in measles cases in 2024, including a significant outbreak in Chicago affecting over 60 individuals. This trend follows a troubling peak of measles cases in 2019, which represented the highest incidence in nearly three decades.
