Measles Outbreak in Texas and Beyond
Current Situation
The measles outbreak that began in West Texas earlier this year has now grown to 327 cases, the public health department announced Tuesday morning.
Related: Parents of Texas child who died in measles outbreak say no to vaccine: ‘God does no wrong’
The state’s case count rose from 309 confirmed cases at the end of last week. Tuesday’s update also includes one measles case in West Texas’ Lamb County, which had not previously reported any cases.
North Texas remains at five reported measles cases, all in Lamar County. The additional case reported in Rockwall County in late February was not connected to the ongoing outbreak.
Breaking News
Regional Impact
Texas’ case count does not include additional, connected cases reported in New Mexico and Oklahoma. New Mexico reported 43 cases as of Tuesday, and Oklahoma reported nine cases as of Tuesday.
Related: Live: Track measles cases during Texas outbreak with these graphics
Across the three states, there have been a total of 42 hospitalizations — 40 in Texas and two in New Mexico. There have also been two reported deaths — the first was a young girl in Texas and the second was an adult in New Mexico.
Historical Context
Due to the ongoing outbreak, the state of Texas has reported more measles cases in 2025 than in any full year since 1992, when the state reported more than 1,000 measles cases.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles.
High uptake of the vaccine led to the measles being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. There have still been outbreaks of measles across the country, though, particularly as vaccination rates have dropped in some communities.
Related: Texas has an ongoing measles outbreak. Here’s everything you need to know about the virus
Vaccination and Prevention
The vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, beginning at about 12 months of age. However, people who are pregnant or immunocompromised are not advised to take the measles vaccine.
Local health authorities across Texas are offering the measles vaccine at clinics. People can also contact their doctor or pharmacy to ask about vaccination.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Texas and beyond is a serious public health concern. With the number of cases continuing to rise, it is essential that individuals take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated. By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, we can work together to prevent further spread of the disease.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include the updated case count from the state of Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. It can cause fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash, and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
How is measles spread?
Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and can also be spread by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus.
How can I protect myself from measles?
The best way to protect yourself from measles is to get vaccinated. The two-dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. You can also take steps to prevent the spread of the disease by washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
What are the symptoms of measles?
The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis.
How long does it take to recover from measles?
Most people who get measles recover within a week or two, but some people may experience complications that can last for several weeks or even months.
