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WEST TEXAS/NEW MEXICO – A significant measles outbreak is rapidly spreading across West Texas and New Mexico, with case numbers nearing 300, according to health officials.1 Tragically, two unvaccinated individuals have died from complications related to the highly contagious virus.
Texas state health officials reported a surge of 36 new measles cases since Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 259. The outbreak has now reached two new counties, Cochran and Lamar, and 34 individuals have been hospitalized. In New Mexico, officials confirmed two new cases, raising the state’s total to 35, with the majority of cases concentrated in Lea County.
The outbreak has also prompted concern in neighboring Oklahoma, where health officials reported two probable cases linked to the Texas and New Mexico clusters.2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the national count of measles cases has surpassed the total for all of 2024.3 This resurgence marks a significant setback after measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or breathing.4 The virus first attacks the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash.5 The rash typically appears three to five days after initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downward.6
The outbreak has already resulted in two deaths: a school-age child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico. Complications from measles can include pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.7
Health officials emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.8 The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for children, with the first dose given between 12 and 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years.9 Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity,” such as documented vaccination or birth before 1957, generally do not require additional shots. However, individuals in high-risk categories or those living in outbreak areas may consider a booster.
The CDC also recommends that people who received a killed measles vaccine before 1968, or those who are unsure of the type of vaccine they received, should get revaccinated with at least one dose of the live vaccine.10
Measles outbreaks have been reported in multiple states, including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases.
The decline in childhood vaccination rates and an increase in vaccine exemptions have contributed to the resurgence of measles.11 Maintaining high vaccination rates, ideally above 95%, is crucial for achieving herd immunity and preventing widespread outbreaks.
There is no specific treatment for measles, and doctors focus on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.12
© 2025 The Associated Press.
Disclaimer: This news article provides information based on current reports. Health information can change rapidly. For personalized medical advice, always consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Do not rely solely on this article for decisions about your health.
