Introduction to the Outbreak
Another child with measles in Texas has died, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed late Saturday night, though the exact cause of death is under investigation, NBC News reported.
This would be the second pediatric death amid a fast-growing outbreak that’s infected nearly 500 people in Texas alone since January. An adult in New Mexico is also suspected of dying from measles. The deaths are the first from the disease in the United States in a decade.
Spread of the Outbreak
As of Friday, the Texas Department of State Health Services said 481 cases of measles had been confirmed, a 14% jump over last week.
This includes six infants and toddlers at a Lubbock day care center who tested positive within the past two weeks.
Two of those children are among 56 people who’ve been hospitalized with measles in the area since the disease started spreading in late January, health officials said.
Complications and Risks
Around 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children infected with measles die from respiratory and neurological complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And about 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death.
National Impact
The outbreak that began in Texas in late January has since spread to at least two other states.
Nationally, 628 measles cases in have been reported in at least 21 states and Washington, D.C. in 2025, according to an NBC News tally.
The number is likely a vast underestimate, considering that many people aren’t getting tested for the virus, according to Lubbock’s public health director, Katherine Wells.
Prevention and Vaccination
Wells and other health officials are now imploring families to get their kids vaccinated against measles.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are safe and 97% effective in preventing infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The first dose is generally given between 12 and 18 months, and the second is offered around age 5, when a child enters kindergarten.
During an outbreak, however, babies as young as 6 months old can get that first shot.
Conclusion
The recent measles outbreak in Texas and its spread to other states highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. With the MMR vaccine being safe and highly effective, it is crucial for families to ensure their children are vaccinated to protect not only themselves but also their communities.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of the measles outbreak in Texas?
A: As of the latest reports, there have been nearly 500 confirmed cases of measles in Texas since January, with a significant increase in cases over the last week. - Q: What are the risks associated with measles?
A: Measles can lead to severe complications, including respiratory and neurological issues, with about 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children infected dying from these complications. - Q: How effective is the MMR vaccine in preventing measles?
A: The MMR vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles infection after two doses. - Q: At what age should children be vaccinated against measles?
A: The first dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended between 12 and 18 months of age, and the second dose is given around age 5. However, during an outbreak, babies as young as 6 months old can receive their first dose.
