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Texas Measles Outbreak Reaches 309 Cases, Spreads to Neighboring States

The outbreak, concentrated in undervaccinated communities, has resulted in 40 hospitalizations and one death, with containment efforts expected to take months.

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. 
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.
A vial of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is on display at the Lubbock Health Department Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. 

Overview

  • The Texas measles outbreak has surpassed the total U.S. case count for 2024, with 309 confirmed cases reported as of March 21, 2025.
  • Children and teenagers aged 5-17 account for the majority of cases, followed by children aged 4 and under, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations.
  • Vaccination rates in Texas and New Mexico have increased but remain below the 95% threshold needed to prevent community spread, particularly in rural and religious communities.
  • The outbreak has spread to 14 counties in Texas, two counties in New Mexico, and four probable cases in Oklahoma, complicating containment efforts in multistate regions.
  • Public health officials warn the outbreak could last several more months or up to a year, potentially jeopardizing the U.S.'s measles elimination status if not contained.