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Largest Texas Measles Outbreak in 30 Years Grows to 355 Cases Across Three States

The outbreak has resulted in two deaths, 42 hospitalizations, and heightened concerns over vaccine hesitancy in affected communities.

Renee Barbian gives an insulin shot to her immunocompromised son Ezekiel Barbian in the parking lot of a grocery store, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Hobbs, N.M. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
A measles sign is seen at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. 
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Boxes and vials of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella Virus Vaccine at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas.

Overview

  • The measles outbreak, originating in Gaines County, Texas, has expanded to 355 confirmed cases across Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
  • Two deaths have been reported: a 6-year-old unvaccinated girl in Texas and an adult in New Mexico, with 42 individuals hospitalized so far.
  • The epicenter, Gaines County, has one of the state's lowest vaccination rates, with nearly 18% of children exempt from immunizations.
  • Vaccination rates have risen in Texas and New Mexico during the outbreak, but they remain insufficient to reach herd immunity in key areas.
  • Public health officials warn the outbreak could persist for months, potentially jeopardizing the U.S.'s measles elimination status if it continues for a year.