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3w ago

Measles Cases Reach 1,277 in Largest U.S. Outbreak Since Elimination

Concentrated spread from an under-vaccinated pocket in West Texas into 38 states has exposed persistent vaccination gaps.

Anna Hicks prepares a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Andrews County Health Department, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Andrews, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
Hundreds of measles cases have been reported in Gaines County, Texas, where vaccination rates were far below recommended levels.
A measles advisory is shown tacked to a bulletin board outside Gaines County Courthouse on April 09, 2025 in Seminole, Texas. A second confirmed measles-related death has been reported in the city of Lubbock amidst an ongoing outbreak which began in late January. As of early April, the Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed more than 500 cases within 22 counties, ranging from the South Plains toward the Panhandle.
The CDC recommends that children get their first dose of the MMR vaccine when they turn 1, but local governments in places with outbreaks or elevated risk of transmission often recommend early vaccination for infants as young as 6 months.

Overview

  • As of July 5, health data show 1,277 confirmed measles cases nationwide, the highest tally since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
  • The West Texas outbreak remains the epicenter with 753 cases in Gaines County and two child fatalities reported since January.
  • New Mexico recorded an adult measles death, bringing the U.S. death toll for 2025 to three.
  • At least 155 patients—about one in eight cases—have been hospitalized, and 92% of infections occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
  • Public health officials have rolled out early-dose MMR guidelines and mobile vaccination clinics after national coverage fell short of the 95% herd-immunity target for the fourth straight year.