Texas Measles Outbreak
Feb. 27, 2025
Updated Feb. 28, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. CST
Current Outbreak Status
Texas’ ongoing measles outbreak is now up to 124 confirmed cases as of Tuesday. That’s the most the state has seen in any year since 1992.
The measles outbreak in Texas started in Gaines County, near the New Mexico border. There are also additional confirmed cases in New Mexico and potential exposures in San Antonio and San Marcos.
Related Information
Related: Texas has an ongoing measles outbreak. Here’s everything you need to know about the virus
Understanding Measles
Measles has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000. But as vaccination rates have dipped nationwide, states across the country have seen outbreaks.
D-FW Public Health Alerts
History of Measles in the U.S.
In the decade before the measles vaccine was introduced, an estimated 3 to 4 million people in the U.S. were infected with the virus each year and an estimated 400 to 500 people died each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How Measles Spreads
The virus is considered one of the most contagious in the world. It spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. It can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after a person has left, which means that a person can catch the measles without ever being in the same room as an infected person.
Current Cases and Vaccination Status
Of the 124 cases in Texas so far, 119 cases were in people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Measles Vaccination and Community Protection
For a community to be protected against an outbreak, 95% of people must be vaccinated.
People who are vaccinated, or who have had the measles before, are unlikely to catch the virus ― even if they come into contact with someone who’s sick.
Measles Vaccine Effectiveness
The measles vaccine, typically administered in a combination with mumps and rubella vaccinations, provides strong protection against the virus. Data shows that the two-shot regimen is about 97% effective against the measles.
Measles Complications and Risks
Measles can cause severe illness and complications in some people, particularly in unvaccinated children and pregnant women. Most children, including unvaccinated children, will not die if they catch the measles.
The CDC estimates that between 1 in 1,000 and 3 in 1,000 children who catch the measles will die from complications.
Related Outbreaks and Information
Related: Lubbock area measles outbreak was preventable
Related: Why Texas measles outbreak may be ‘the tip of a bigger iceberg’
Related: What’s happening with measles and vaccinations outside Texas and the U.S.
Contributors
Alison Saldanha contributed data reporting.
Conclusion
The ongoing measles outbreak in Texas is a reminder of the importance of vaccination and community protection. With 124 confirmed cases and counting, it is essential for individuals to understand the risks and complications associated with measles and to take steps to protect themselves and their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is measles and how is it spread?
A: Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. It can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after a person has left, making it possible for someone to catch the virus without being in the same room as an infected person.
Q: How effective is the measles vaccine?
A: The measles vaccine is about 97% effective in preventing the virus, and it is typically administered in a combination with mumps and rubella vaccinations.
Q: What are the risks and complications associated with measles?
A: Measles can cause severe illness and complications, particularly in unvaccinated children and pregnant women. The CDC estimates that between 1 in 1,000 and 3 in 1,000 children who catch the measles will die from complications.
Q: How can I protect myself and my community from measles?
A: The best way to protect yourself and your community from measles is to get vaccinated. For a community to be protected against an outbreak, 95% of people must be vaccinated.
