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5mo ago

Texas Measles Outbreak Reaches 561 Cases as U.S. Totals Near 750

The CDC warns of underreported cases and resource strains as the outbreak spreads across 24 states, with two child fatalities in Texas.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr speaks during a Make Indiana Healthy Again initiative event in Indianapolis, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are delivered to the Andrews County Health Department in Andrews, Texas, on April 8.
FILE - The Gaines County line is seen along Route 180 Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lamesa, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, speaks during a Cabinet meeting Thursday.

Overview

  • Texas has confirmed 561 measles cases, with 58 hospitalizations and two child deaths, marking the state's largest outbreak in 30 years.
  • The CDC reports 747 cases across 24 states, with new clusters in Arkansas, Hawaii, and Indiana, and warns many cases may be underreported.
  • Over 90% of cases are linked to undervaccinated, close-knit communities in West Texas, with Gaines County accounting for nearly 65% of Texas cases.
  • Federal and state efforts to contain the outbreak face challenges due to COVID-era funding cuts and staffing shortages, impacting vaccination and response capabilities.
  • Health officials criticize inconsistent messaging from HHS leadership, which has complicated vaccination advocacy and outbreak control efforts.