Measles Outbreak Spreads: Texas and New Mexico on High Alert
As the nation continues to grapple with the complexities of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, two states are facing a growing concern that harkens back to a bygone era: the measles. In a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination, Texas and New Mexico are currently battling measles outbreaks that have left health officials scrambling to contain the spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.
With case counts on the rise and new cases emerging, residents in both states are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. The resurgence of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease, serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of complacency and the importance of community-wide vaccination efforts.
Measles Case Counts Grow in Texas, New Mexico Outbreak | Healthiest Communities Health News
Impact of Low Vaccination Rates on Herd Immunity
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a significant decline in measles vaccination rates, leading to a resurgence in measles cases and outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year, leaving approximately 280,000 kindergartners at risk.
The consequences of low vaccination rates are evident in the current measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. In Texas, a total of 279 cases have been identified since late January, with 36 patients hospitalized and one fatality reported. The outbreak is primarily affecting school-aged children, with 88 cases (31.6%) reported among those aged 0-4 years, 120 cases (43.1%) reported among those aged 5-17 years, and 52 cases (18.6%) reported among those aged 18 years and above.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has attributed the outbreak to low vaccination rates, with 277 of the confirmed cases (99.3%) classified as unvaccinated or unknown. This is a stark reminder of the importance of herd immunity, which is achieved when a sufficient percentage of a population is immunized against a disease, thereby protecting those who are not immunized or are too young to be vaccinated.
When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through community immunity. However, with vaccination rates declining, the number of susceptible individuals increases, making it easier for measles to spread. It is essential for communities to prioritize vaccination and maintain high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
Misinformation and Mistrust of Vaccines
Misinformation and mistrust of vaccines have contributed significantly to the decline in vaccination rates. Social media platforms have become a breeding ground for anti-vaccination misinformation, with false claims and conspiracy theories spreading rapidly. This has led to vaccine hesitancy among some parents, who are hesitant to vaccinate their children due to concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy.
Congressional exemptions to vaccination in schools have also played a role in the decline of vaccination rates. In some states, parents can opt-out of vaccination requirements for their children by providing a medical or philosophical exemption. This has created a loophole for unvaccinated children to attend school, increasing the risk of measles transmission.
The consequences of vaccine misinformation and mistrust are evident in the current measles outbreaks. In Texas, 277 of the confirmed cases (99.3%) were classified as unvaccinated or unknown, highlighting the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting vaccine confidence.
Global Spread of Measles
Measles elimination in the United States in 2000 was a historic public health achievement. However, with the decline in vaccination rates, the country is now at risk of importing measles cases from other countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is still endemic in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The global spread of measles is a concern, as it can lead to imported cases and subsequent outbreaks. In 2024, a total of 285 measles cases were reported in the United States, with 16 outbreaks reported in 33 jurisdictions. The majority of cases (69%) were outbreak-associated, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent measles transmission.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak and contain the spread of measles. It is essential for communities to prioritize vaccination and maintain high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
Measles Prevention and Response
Vaccination Strategies
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, with a vaccine efficacy of 93% after the first dose and 97% after the second dose.
According to the CDC, two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for children, with the first dose administered at 12-15 months of age and the second dose administered at 4-6 years of age. The vaccine is also recommended for adolescents and adults who have not previously received the vaccine or have not received two doses of the vaccine.
There are several options for vaccination, including health care providers, pharmacies, and public health clinics. Vaccines are also available through the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net Providers. Use the maps located on the measles outbreak page to locate a TVFC or ASN provider.
Pharmacies can vaccinate people 14 and older without a prescription. Children under 14 need a prescription to get the MMR vaccine at a pharmacy. Additional information for the public and health care providers is available at the links below:
- Measles Outbreak page
- Measles FAQ page
- DSHS News Release – Jan. 30 Announcing Cases in Gaines County
- DSHS News Release – Feb. 25 Outbreak Update
- DSHS News Release – Feb. 26 Announcing First Fatality in Outbreak
- DSHS Health Alert – Feb. 5 Gaines County Outbreak
- DSHS Health Alert – Feb. 24 Measles Exposures in South & Central Texas
- DSHS Health Alert – March 6 Measles Outbreak Case Definition
Public Health Response
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak and contain the spread of measles. The DSHS has determined that the outbreak is primarily affecting school-aged children, with 88 cases (31.6%) reported among those aged 0-4 years, 120 cases (43.1%) reported among those aged 5-17 years, and 52 cases (18.6%) reported among those aged 18 years and above.
The DSHS has also identified that 277 of the confirmed cases (99.3%) were classified as unvaccinated or unknown, highlighting the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting vaccine confidence. The DSHS is working to educate the public about the risks of measles and the importance of vaccination.
Community Engagement and Education
Community engagement and education are critical components of measles prevention and response. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working with local health departments and community organizations to educate the public about the risks of measles and the importance of vaccination.
The DSHS is also promoting vaccine confidence by addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting vaccine safety and efficacy. The DSHS is working to ensure that accurate information about measles and vaccination is available to the public.
It is essential for communities to prioritize vaccination and maintain high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. By working together, we can prevent measles and protect public health.
Measles Case Counts and Outbreaks
Measles Cases in 2025
As of March 13, 2025, a total of 301 confirmed measles cases were reported by 15 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
Of these cases, 280 (93%) were outbreak-associated, highlighting the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent measles transmission. The majority of cases (95%) were classified as unvaccinated or unknown, emphasizing the need to address vaccine misinformation and promote vaccine confidence.
The age distribution of measles cases in 2025 was as follows: 34% (103 cases) were reported among those under 5 years of age, 42% (126 cases) were reported among those aged 5-19 years, and 21% (63 cases) were reported among those aged 20 years and above.
The vaccination status of measles cases in 2025 was as follows: 95% (280 cases) were classified as unvaccinated or unknown, 3% (9 cases) had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, and 2% (6 cases) had received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Measles Hospitalizations in 2025
As of March 13, 2025, a total of 50 measles cases (17%) were hospitalized, with the majority (27%) reported among those under 5 years of age. The hospitalization rate was highest among those under 5 years of age (27%), followed by those aged 5-19 years (10%) and those aged 20 years and above (13%).
The vaccination status of hospitalized measles cases in 2025 was as follows: 95% (47 cases) were classified as unvaccinated or unknown, 3% (1 case) had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, and 2% (1 case) had received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Measles Deaths in 2025
As of March 13, 2025, a total of 2 measles-related deaths were reported, with 1 confirmed death and 1 death under investigation. The majority of deaths (50%) were reported among those under 5 years of age.
The vaccination status of measles-related deaths in 2025 was as follows: 95% (1 case) was classified as unvaccinated or unknown, and 5% (0 cases) had received one or two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Measles Outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico
Texas Outbreak
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of Texas. As of March 13, 2025, a total of 279 cases have been identified since late January, with 36 patients hospitalized and 1 fatality reported.
The outbreak is primarily affecting school-aged children, with 88 cases (31.6%) reported among those aged 0-4 years, 120 cases (43.1%) reported among those aged 5-17 years, and 52 cases (18.6%) reported among those aged 18 years and above.
The DSHS has attributed the outbreak to low vaccination rates, with 277 of the confirmed cases (99.3%) classified as unvaccinated or unknown. The DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak and contain the spread of measles.
The DSHS is also promoting vaccine confidence by addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting vaccine safety and efficacy. The DSHS is working to ensure that accurate information about measles and vaccination is available to the public.
New Mexico Outbreak
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is reporting an outbreak of measles in the state. As of March 13, 2025, a total of 22 cases have been identified since late January, with 5 patients hospitalized and 1 fatality reported.
The outbreak is primarily affecting school-aged children, with 10 cases (45.5%) reported among those aged 0-4 years, 8 cases (36.4%) reported among those aged 5-17 years, and 4 cases (18.2%) reported among those aged 18 years and above.
The NMDOH has attributed the outbreak to low vaccination rates, with 20 of the confirmed cases (90.9%) classified as unvaccinated or unknown. The NMDOH is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak and contain the spread of measles.
The NMDOH is also promoting vaccine confidence by addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting vaccine safety and efficacy. The NMDOH is working to ensure that accurate information about measles and vaccination is available to the public.
Conclusion
Measles Case Counts Grow in Texas, New Mexico Outbreak
In a disturbing trend, the number of measles cases in Texas and New Mexico has been on the rise. According to recent reports, the number of children contracting the highly contagious virus has increased significantly in the past year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified these outbreaks as a public health concern, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to combat the spread of measles.
Measles is a notorious disease that can lead to severe complications, including encephalitis, pneumonia, and even death. The measles vaccine, recommended for children under 15 years old, has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of measles globally. However, the resurgence of cases in Texas and New Mexico serves as a sobering reminder that vaccine coverage rates remain low in some areas. The low vaccination rates not only contribute to the rise in measles cases but also to the spread of other infectious diseases.
The significance and implications of this outbreak cannot be overstated. As the measles pandemic continues to spread globally, it is essential that governments, healthcare systems, and individuals take immediate action to mitigate its impact. The alarming rise in measles cases in Texas and New Mexico demands a collective response, emphasizing the importance of increased vaccination rates, enhanced surveillance, and targeted interventions to contain the outbreak. The consequences of inaction will be severe, with potential long-term effects on public health and the economy. It is imperative that we take immediate action to protect our most vulnerable citizens and prevent the spread of this devastating disease. Measles is a ticking time bomb, and it’s up to us to stop it before it’s too late.