Measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico have infected nearly 100 people, mostly unvaccinated children. The crisis highlights the dangerous consequences of vaccine skepticism and declining immunization rates. Health officials warn this preventable disease could spread further, putting more Americans at risk.
Outbreak Spreads Rapidly Across State Lines
The measles outbreak has been ongoing in Texas’ South Plains region since late January. It has now crossed state lines into New Mexico, with cases reported in Lea County near the Texas border.
As of Friday, 90 cases have been confirmed in Texas, with 77 of those being children. New Mexico has reported 9 additional cases, bringing the total to nearly 100 infected individuals across both states.
Measles outbreak leaves nearly 100 people ill in Texas and New Mexico pic.twitter.com/TYgL3rk1iP
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 24, 2025
The majority of cases are concentrated in Gaines County, Texas, which has one of the state’s lowest immunization rates for the MMR vaccine. Only 81% of children in state school kindergartens there had vaccination certificates, well below the 95% target needed for herd immunity.
Unvaccinated at Highest Risk
Of the 90 confirmed cases in Texas, only five involved patients who were vaccinated against measles. The rest were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Sixteen individuals have been hospitalized due to the outbreak so far. Complications from measles can include pneumonia, neurological impairment, hearing loss, and even death, especially in pregnant women and young children.
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. However, vaccination rates have dropped in recent years due to growing anti-vaccine sentiment and increased exemption rates in Texas.
Officials Warn of Further Spread
Health authorities are scrambling to contain the outbreak and encourage vaccinations. Free vaccine clinics are being offered in affected areas to boost immunization rates.
“It is troubling, because this was completely preventable,” said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert. “It’s the most contagious infectious disease known to humans.”
The outbreak threatens the United States’ status as a country that has eliminated measles. If it continues to spread, it could lead to more severe cases, long-term health consequences, and even deaths among vulnerable populations.
Sources:
Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico Sickens Nearly 100 People – The New York Times
Measles: Texas outbreak spreads to New Mexico | The BMJ
US measles outbreak leaves nearly 100 ill in Texas and New Mexico