Introduction to the Measles Outbreak
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed late Saturday night that another child with measles in Texas has died, 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.
The Spread of Measles
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 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 and the need for continued vigilance in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. As health officials continue to investigate the cause of the second pediatric death, it is crucial for families to take preventive measures, including getting vaccinated against measles.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of the measles outbreak in Texas?
A: As of the latest reports, there have been nearly 500 cases of measles in Texas since January, with a second pediatric death confirmed. - Q: How contagious is measles?
A: Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that can lead to severe complications and death. - Q: What is the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles?
A: Two doses of the MMR vaccine are safe and 97% effective in preventing infection. - Q: At what age can children get vaccinated against measles?
A: The first dose of the MMR vaccine is generally given between 12 and 18 months, and the second dose is offered around age 5. During an outbreak, babies as young as 6 months old can get the first shot.
