Claire Dawson
Texas is currently facing a measles outbreak, with cases reaching nearly 300 in March 2025. The outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations and deaths, with the numbers varying over time. The situation in Texas is part of a larger trend, as measles cases have been rising across the United States, affecting multiple states. The outbreak has brought attention to vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates in certain communities, with health officials emphasizing that vaccination is the best way to prevent the highly contagious disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 14, 2025 |
| Total number of measles cases in Texas | 259 |
| Number of new cases since Tuesday | 36 |
| Total number of hospitalizations | 34 |
| Number of new hospitalizations | 5 |
| Counties with new cases | Cochran and Lamar |
| Number of cases in Cochran County, West Texas | 6 |
| Number of cases in Lamar County, Northeast Texas | 4 |
| Number of deaths | 1 |
| Age of the deceased | School-age child |
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What You'll Learn
Measles outbreak in Texas: 29 people hospitalized
Texas is currently facing a measles outbreak, with cases continuing to rise. As of March 11, 2025, there were 223 confirmed cases in Texas, with 29 people hospitalized and one death reported. The outbreak began in Gaines County, a locality of around 23,000 people, and home to a community of Mennonites. The area has a low vaccination rate and some of the highest school vaccine exemption rates in the state.
The highly contagious virus is airborne and can easily spread when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs. The risk of infection is highest for unvaccinated people, vaccinated individuals who did not develop immunity, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, adults over 20, and young unvaccinated children. The latter two groups are also at the highest risk of severe complications.
The measles outbreak in Texas has highlighted the importance of vaccination in controlling the disease's spread. Health experts recommend that individuals at high risk of infection, particularly those living in outbreak areas, consider getting a booster shot. This includes people living with someone who has measles and those vulnerable to respiratory diseases due to underlying medical conditions.
Additionally, the role of vitamin A in treating measles has been discussed. While it cannot prevent infection, studies have shown that vitamin A supplementation in communities with high undernutrition and vitamin A deficiency rates can reduce measles mortality. However, it is not a replacement for vaccination, and unvaccinated individuals given vitamin A could still contract measles.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has been diligent in updating its website with information about the outbreak. People living in or visiting the affected counties are advised to follow the outbreak vaccination recommendations and get vaccinated through their healthcare provider, a pharmacy, or the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net Providers.
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Texas' largest measles outbreak in 30 years
Texas is facing its largest measles outbreak in 30 years, with the virus spreading to 22 states. The outbreak has primarily affected the South Plains region, with many patients being treated in Lubbock, a medical hub in the region. As of April 6, 2025, there were 499 confirmed cases in the state, and 56 people hospitalized. The outbreak has resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated children.
The outbreak appears to have originated in a Mennonite community in Gaines County, located about 350 miles west of Dallas. The area has a low vaccination rate and some of the highest school vaccine exemption rates in the state. Many of those infected are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 48 identified measles cases, largely among children, with 13 hospitalizations. However, by April, the number of hospitalizations had increased to 56.
The outbreak has spread beyond Texas, with New Mexico declaring a measles outbreak in Lea County, which neighbors West Texas. As of March 11, 2025, Texas had a total of 223 cases, with 29 people hospitalized. Texas health officials have emphasized that vaccination is the best way to avoid the highly contagious disease. However, declining vaccination rates and decreasing trust in government have impacted Texas' measles response.
The measles outbreak has also highlighted the challenges faced by rural areas in Texas, where long distances between healthcare providers make testing and transporting samples difficult. Public health experts have called for improved messaging around vaccinations and quarantining, as well as increased contact tracing efforts to contain the spread of the disease.
The surge in measles cases has led to a renewed focus on vaccination efforts, with fear of the contagious and potentially deadly virus prompting a rise in vaccinations in Texas. Additionally, those at high risk of infection, including individuals who received vaccinations many years ago, have been advised to consider getting a booster shot.
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Texas' health commissioner questioned on vaccine risks
Texas has been facing a measles outbreak, with cases reaching nearly 300 in the state by mid-March 2025. The outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations and deaths, including two unvaccinated individuals. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been working to address the outbreak and promote vaccination initiatives.
Amid this public health crisis, the Texas health commissioner has faced questioning on vaccine risks. William "Reyn" Archer III, MD, a former Texas health commissioner, was brought on as a counselor to HHS after Kennedy took over in February. Archer has a history of questioning vaccines and was involved in a scandal two decades ago that led to his resignation. In his new role, he has raised concerns about specific vaccine recommendations, including the expansion of a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine to high-risk adults ages 50 to 59. Archer suggested a “possible decline in efficacy with a second dose” of the vaccine but did not provide further clarification.
The Texas health commissioner's focus on vaccine risks during the measles outbreak in the state has sparked discussions about vaccine safety and efficacy. The DSHS promotes vaccine safety and effectiveness through its Immunization Section, which aims to eliminate the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. The department provides information about vaccine safety and maintains the Texas Immunization Registry, ensuring access to immunization records. Additionally, the DSHS offers Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) sheets that inform individuals and their families about the benefits and risks of vaccines.
During the measles outbreak, Texas has experienced rising hospitalizations and deaths, with 56 people hospitalized by April 4, 2025. The outbreak has highlighted the importance of vaccination, with health experts recommending boosters for certain individuals. Scott Weaver of the Global Virus Network advised that people at high risk for infection, especially in outbreak areas, consider getting a booster shot. Similarly, Céline Gounder of KFF Health News suggested boosters for individuals vaccinated before 1968, as less effective vaccines were used during that period.
The Texas health commissioner's questioning of vaccine risks during the measles outbreak has brought attention to the state's vaccination initiatives and the ongoing public health crisis. The DSHS continues to work towards eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases, promoting vaccination coverage, and providing resources and information to the public.
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Texas measles cases reach nearly 300
Measles, a highly contagious virus, has reached nearly 300 cases in Texas and New Mexico, with two unvaccinated people dying from measles-related causes. Texas state health officials reported 36 new cases since Tuesday, bringing the total to 259. Measles is preventable through vaccines, yet it has been spreading, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
The disease, which was officially eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, has re-emerged as vaccination rates among kindergarteners have dropped below the 95% target set by the CDC. The outbreak started in Gaines County, Texas, an area with a low vaccination rate and some of the highest school vaccine exemption rates in the state. Many of those affected are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status.
The highly contagious virus spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs, and it can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. People at high risk of infection include the unvaccinated, those who received the vaccine many years ago, pregnant women, adults over 20, immunocompromised individuals, and young unvaccinated children.
To prevent measles, the CDC recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first shot is suggested for children between 12 and 15 months old, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Those at high risk for infection who were vaccinated many years ago may want to consider a booster shot, especially if they live in an outbreak area.
Texas offers vaccines through healthcare providers, pharmacies, and the Texas Vaccines for Children and Adult Safety Net Providers. Pharmacies can vaccinate people 14 and older without a prescription, while children under 14 need a prescription for the MMR vaccine.
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Texas' total measles cases: 259
Texas has seen a significant outbreak of measles in 2025, with the state reporting 259 cases as of June 24, 2025. This outbreak has had a severe impact, resulting in hospitalizations and, tragically, deaths. Measles is a highly contagious virus, and the outbreak in Texas has primarily affected unvaccinated individuals, with most cases occurring in Gaines County.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has been diligent in updating the public on the outbreak's progression. By March 4, 2025, Texas had reported 159 measles cases, with that number rising to 223 by March 11. Gaines County was the epicentre, with 107 of the initial cases and 156 by March 11. The outbreak's rapid spread led to hospitalizations and, sadly, the death of an unvaccinated school-aged child.
The low vaccination rates in certain communities have been identified as a critical factor in the outbreak's severity. In Gaines County, for example, only 46% of kindergarten students received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2023 school year, far below the 95% coverage required to prevent outbreaks. This gap in immunization coverage has left these communities vulnerable to the highly contagious measles virus.
The outbreak in Texas is part of a broader resurgence of measles in the United States. In 2025, a total of 1,333 confirmed measles cases were reported across 40 jurisdictions as of July 29. This represents a significant increase from 2024, when 285 cases were reported by 33 jurisdictions. The high contagion rate of measles, combined with pockets of unvaccinated individuals, has facilitated the spread of the virus.
To combat the outbreak, health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination. The measles-containing vaccine, typically administered as the MMR vaccine, is highly effective, preventing more than 97% of measles infections. Two doses are recommended for full protection. Additionally, health officials advise individuals who suspect they have measles to isolate themselves and seek medical advice promptly to help curb the spread of the disease.
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Frequently asked questions
Texas state health officials reported 34 hospitalized cases as of March 14, 2025.
Texas state health officials reported 259 cases as of March 14, 2025.
The primary cause of the measles outbreak in Texas is attributed to low vaccination rates and declining trust in government health mandates.
