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Measles Outbreak in U.S. Reaches 378 Cases, Texas at Epicenter

The largest measles outbreak in decades has resulted in two deaths and 40 hospitalizations, primarily among unvaccinated individuals, with health officials warning of continued spread.

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One year-old River Jacobs is held by his mother, Caitlin Fuller, while he receives an MMR vaccine at a vaccine clinic on March 1, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas.
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Kennedy

Overview

  • Texas accounts for 327 of the 378 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., with the outbreak centered in the South Plains region, particularly among unvaccinated communities.
  • The outbreak has resulted in two deaths: a school-aged child in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico, marking the first U.S. measles-related deaths since 2015.
  • Health officials report that 95% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, emphasizing the critical importance of the MMR vaccine.
  • Cases have now been reported in 18 states and Washington, D.C., with recent infections linked to travel, raising concerns about further spread during the spring travel season.
  • Efforts to contain the outbreak include vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns, but officials warn the outbreak could persist for months due to the highly contagious nature of measles.