Measles Outbreak in Texas Highlights Vaccine Decline

The largest measles outbreak in Texas in over 30 years has infected dozens, with low vaccination rates driving the spread.

Texas is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in decades, with 58 confirmed cases and health officials estimating up to 300 untested infections.
The outbreak is concentrated in areas with low vaccination rates, particularly in Gaines County, where 18% of kindergartners remain unvaccinated.
Measles is highly contagious, with one infected individual able to transmit the virus to 90% of unvaccinated close contacts, and can lead to severe complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective, but vaccination rates have fallen below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks nationwide.
Newly appointed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to promote anti-vaccine rhetoric, raising concerns about further declines in immunization rates.