Measles Outbreak in US Escalates, Reaches 223 Cases

The measles outbreak in western Texas continues to grow, with 25 new cases confirmed in the past five days, bringing the total to 223.

United States: The measles outbreak sweeping through western Texas continues to expand, with 25 additional cases confirmed in the last five days, bringing the total to 223, according to data released on Tuesday.

Health officials report that the vast majority of infections are among individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unclear. Specifically, 80 of the confirmed cases involve unvaccinated individuals, while another 138 cases are categorized as having an unknown vaccination history. So far, at least 29 people have been hospitalized due to complications from the virus, according to reports by ABC News.

Only five cases have been documented in individuals who had received a single dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles Cases Emerge in Oklahoma

Meanwhile, health officials in Oklahoma have identified two probable cases of measles, potentially linked to the ongoing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) reported on Tuesday that the affected individuals had exposure to the outbreak region and are now showing symptoms consistent with measles. At this time, officials do not consider these cases a significant public health risk.

The latest weekly report is in and measles cases are continuing to climb in Texas; death reported in New Mexico https://t.co/dBPDROHkit

— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) March 11, 2025

Who Is Most Affected?

In Texas, children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 17 represent the largest group affected, accounting for 98 cases. Another 76 cases have been confirmed in children aged 4 and younger.

Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, officials anticipate that additional cases will surface in the affected areas and nearby communities. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is actively working alongside local health agencies to investigate and manage the outbreak.

First US Measles Death in a Decade

Tragically, Texas has reported one death related to the outbreak—a school-aged child who was unvaccinated. The child had no known underlying health conditions, according to DSHS. This marks the first measles-related death recorded in the United States in a decade, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A possible second measles-related fatality was reported in New Mexico last week after an unvaccinated resident tested positive for the virus. Health officials there are still investigating the exact cause of death.

Gaines County at the Center of the Outbreak

Gaines County has emerged as the epicenter of the Texas outbreak, with 156 confirmed cases among residents. Data indicates that vaccine exemptions in the county have increased significantly over the past decade.

In 2013, approximately 7.5 percent of kindergartners in Gaines County had parents or guardians who opted out of at least one vaccine. By 2023, that number had more than doubled, exceeding 17.5 percent—one of the highest exemption rates in the state.

Rising Cases Across the US

As of last Thursday, the CDC confirmed 222 measles cases across 12 states: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. However, officials warn that the true number of cases may be higher due to reporting delays from individual states.

The majority of cases nationwide are among unvaccinated individuals or those with an unknown vaccination history. According to the CDC, only 4 percent of cases have been found in people who received one dose of the MMR vaccine, while 2 percent have been among those who received two doses.

Health Officials Urge Vaccination

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, capable of spreading rapidly in communities with low vaccination rates. According to the CDC, a single infected person can transmit the virus to up to 90 percent of unvaccinated individuals who come into close contact.

Health officials strongly encourage vaccination, especially for those who remain unprotected. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years old. A single dose is estimated to be 93 percent effective, while two doses provide about 97 percent protection. Most vaccinated adults do not require a booster shot.

Given the ongoing outbreak, Texas health officials are advising parents in affected areas to consider an early dose of the MMR vaccine for babies between 6 and 11 months old. Additionally, adults who previously received only one dose are encouraged to get a second dose for enhanced protection.

CDC Responds to Texas Outbreak

Last week, the CDC announced via its official X account (formerly Twitter) that its teams are on-site in Texas, working closely with the DSHS to contain the outbreak.

Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. However, in recent years, immunization rates have declined, increasing the risk of outbreaks.

As cases continue to rise, public health experts stress the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable individuals, especially young children.