Texas is currently facing its largest measles outbreak in three decades, with over 729 confirmed cases reported since late January 2025, primarily in West Texas and the South Plains region. The outbreak has resulted in multiple hospitalizations and at least two deaths among school-aged children.
The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to monitor and update the situation as new cases emerge, with the most recent data showing the spread is slowing but not yet contained.
How the Virus Is Spreading
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans. It spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, making enclosed spaces like schools and hospitals particularly vulnerable. A single infected person can transmit the virus to up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals they come into contact with.
The current outbreak began with cases linked to international travel in Houston and quickly spread to other West Texas counties, including Gaines County, which remains the epicenter. By March, the outbreak had crossed state lines, with cases confirmed in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and even the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Oklahoma at Risk
Oklahoma has already reported several cases linked to the Texas outbreak, with state health officials warning that more cases are likely as the situation evolves. The CDC has emphasized that the outbreak is expanding rapidly, and neighboring states remain at high risk due to the ease of measles transmission and the mobility of affected populations.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Data indicates that children under 18 are the most affected, accounting for about 80% of cases in Texas. The vast majority of those infected are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status, highlighting the critical role of immunization in preventing the disease. Hospitalizations have occurred in both children and adults, and the three reported deaths in the region were all among unvaccinated individuals.
Public Health Response
Health authorities in Texas have launched extensive public education campaigns, expanded testing, and organized vaccination clinics in affected areas. The response has already cost the state millions of dollars. Federal agencies are assisting by providing resources such as vitamin A, which can help manage severe cases, though experts caution against unsupervised supplementation due to potential toxicity.
Vaccine: The Best Defense
Medical experts unanimously agree that the best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Two doses are highly effective at preventing infection, and side effects are generally mild and rare. The resurgence of measles in the United States is attributed to declining vaccination rates, underscoring the importance of immunization for both individuals and communities.
Outlook and Recommendations
While the spread of measles in Texas appears to be slowing, health officials warn that the outbreak is not over. Oklahoma and other neighboring states remain at risk, especially in communities with low vaccination coverage. Authorities urge everyone, especially parents of young children, to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations.
Key Takeaways:
# Texas is battling its largest measles outbreak in 30 years, with over 729 cases and multiple deaths.
# The outbreak is spreading to neighboring states, including Oklahoma, which is now on high alert.
# Unvaccinated children are most at risk, and vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.
# Public health officials are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak and encourage immunization.
For the latest updates and guidance, residents are encouraged to follow information from state health departments and the CDC.
Sources:-
[1] https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-2025
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html
[3] https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts
[4] https://www.vax-before-travel.com/2025/05/29/texas-measles-outbreak-fades-while-ontario-rages
[5] https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/infectious-diseases/other-infections/texas-measles-outbreak-2025/
[6] https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/22/texas-measles-outbreak-update/
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Southwest_United_States_measles_outbreak
[8] https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/05/28/measles-updates-texas-reports-one-new-case-as-spread-slows/