Measles Outbreak Expands Across Central Texas and Four Additional States

As health officials report a concerning rise in measles cases, central Texas has become the latest area to experience an outbreak. This development marks a significant expansion of the ongoing health crisis that has already affected several states, including Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted that the number of measles cases reported this year has already surpassed the total from all of 2024.

In Texas, the outbreak began approximately two months ago, and as of the latest reports, there have been 22 new cases since the last update, bringing the total to 422 cases across 19 counties--primarily concentrated in West Texas. Notably, Erath and Brown counties have confirmed their first instances of the virus. Since the outbreak's initiation, 42 individuals have been hospitalized, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Tragically, two unvaccinated individuals have succumbed to measles-related complications since February.

New Mexico is also grappling with the repercussions of the outbreak, having reported four new cases, which brings its total to 48. State health officials have confirmed that these cases are genetically linked to the outbreak in Texas. Most infections in New Mexico have occurred in Lea County, where two individuals have required hospitalization.

Kansas has documented 23 measles cases across six counties in the southwestern region. The initial case in the state, identified on March 13, has been traced back to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks through genetic analysis, although the source of exposure remains unclear.

Oklahoma has also seen an uptick, logging one new case, leading to a total of eight confirmed and two probable cases. Health experts have indicated that the initial cases in Oklahoma are associated with the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, with confirmed exposures reported in Tulsa and Rogers counties.

In Ohio, there are ten confirmed measles cases in Ashtabula County, nine of which were reported recently. The first case involved an unvaccinated adult who had contact with an individual returning from international travel. Additionally, health officials in Knox County are actively tracing potential exposures related to another case.

Measles cases have also been identified in other states, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. As of the last update, the CDC has classified five clusters of measles cases as outbreaks in 2025, emphasizing the critical need for preventive measures.

The highly contagious nature of measles, which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes, has raised alarms. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection, and the CDC continues to advocate for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, particularly for children aged 12-15 months, with a second dose recommended between 4-6 years of age.

For individuals at high risk who received their vaccinations many years ago, a booster shot may be advisable, especially for those living in outbreak areas. Adults with documented immunity generally do not require additional vaccinations, but those with uncertain vaccination histories should consult healthcare providers for guidance.

Symptoms of measles typically surface 7-14 days after exposure, beginning with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a distinctive rash. While most children recover from measles, the virus can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.

Maintaining high vaccination rates--ideally above 95%--is crucial to prevent the spread of measles and achieve herd immunity. However, vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns among health officials as more parents seek exemptions for their children.