Measles Outbreak in Texas: Over 300 Cases and Counting as Illness Spreads Across 17 States

A measles outbreak that began in Texas in early 2025 has now infected over 300 people, spreading to at least 17 states across the U.S. As of March 21, 2025, the outbreak has resulted in 378 cases nationwide, surpassing the total number of cases recorded in all of 2024. Tragically, one child has died, and 18 people have been hospitalized, highlighting the severity of this highly contagious disease.

Texas remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 309 cases reported as of March 21. Gaines County, Texas, has been hit the hardest, accounting for 211 cases, while other counties like Terry, Dawson, and Yoakum have also seen significant numbers. The outbreak has affected all age groups, with 130 cases in children aged 5–17, 102 in kids under 4, and 58 in adults.

The outbreak has not been confined to Texas. New Mexico has reported 42 cases, primarily in Lea County near the Texas border, while Kansas has seen 10 cases. Other states, including California, Washington, Florida, and New York, have reported smaller numbers, ranging from 1 to 9 cases each. Oklahoma has also identified 4 “probable” cases, raising concerns about further spread.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, with symptoms like fever, rash, cough, and red eyes appearing 10–14 days after exposure. The virus can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours, making it easy to spread. Health officials recommend that infected individuals isolate for 4 days after the rash appears to prevent further transmission.

The MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective with two doses, remains the best defense against measles. It is recommended for children, with the first dose administered at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Adults unsure of their vaccination status are also encouraged to get vaccinated, particularly those born after 1957.

Despite the proven effectiveness of the vaccine, vaccine hesitancy has played a role in this outbreak. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, initially downplayed the outbreak, calling it “not unusual.” He later acknowledged its seriousness but emphasized that vaccination is a “personal decision.” Kennedy also suggested vitamin A as a treatment, a recommendation that health experts like Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University and Sue Kressly of the American Academy of Pediatrics have criticized as “dangerous and ineffective.”

This outbreak is a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but pockets of unvaccinated populations have led to periodic outbreaks. In Texas, 5.64% of kindergarteners and 2.34% of seventh graders were unvaccinated for measles during the 2023–2024 school year, contributing to the current crisis.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued a warning: “Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities.”

As the outbreak continues to spread, health experts are urging the public to get vaccinated and follow isolation protocols to protect themselves and others. The human cost of this outbreak—hospitalizations, a tragic death, and the potential for more cases—highlights the critical need for collective action to combat preventable diseases like measles.

For more information on measles and vaccination, check out NPR’s article on whether adults need a vaccine booster. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s work together to stop the spread.