In a troubling development, Texas has recorded 400 cases of measles as of Friday, marking the largest outbreak in the United States this year. This surge in cases is part of a wider trend, with outbreaks confirmed in at least five states, including New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the U.S. has already surpassed the total number of measles cases recorded in 2024. The emergence of these outbreaks raises concerns among health officials who fear that the highly contagious virus could spread further, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates.

Since February, there have been two fatalities linked to measles, both involving unvaccinated individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently indicated that the ongoing outbreak in Texas is connected to cases in Mexico.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through airborne transmission when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. While the disease is preventable through vaccination, it had been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000.

Current Situation in Texas and Neighboring States

The outbreak in Texas began two months ago, with health officials announcing 73 new cases since Tuesday, bringing the total to 400 across 17 counties, primarily in West Texas. Since the outbreak commenced, 41 individuals have been hospitalized, with Andrews and Midland counties reporting new cases.

New Mexico has also seen an increase in cases, now totaling 44 after reporting one new case. State health officials confirmed that the cases in New Mexico are genetically linked to the Texas outbreak, with the majority occurring in Lea County, where two individuals have been hospitalized.

In Kansas, 23 cases have been reported across six counties in the southwestern region, with genetic testing linking the first reported case to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. Oklahoma has registered nine cases--seven confirmed and two probable--all associated with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.

Ohio has identified ten measles cases in Ashtabula County, with nine of these cases reported recently. The initial case involved an unvaccinated adult who had interacted with a traveler from abroad. Health officials in central Ohio are currently tracking exposures from a contagious individual.

Wider Implications and Health Recommendations

Measles cases have also been documented in several other states, including Alaska, California, Florida, and New Jersey. The CDC classifies an outbreak as three or more related cases, and as of Friday, five clusters have been identified as outbreaks in 2025.

Historically, outbreaks in the U.S. have been traced back to individuals who contracted the disease abroad, subsequently spreading it in areas with low vaccination coverage. The resurgence of measles in recent years has raised alarms, particularly following a significant outbreak in 2019 that nearly compromised the country's elimination status.

To combat the spread of measles, vaccination remains the most effective prevention method. The CDC recommends that children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Individuals who are at higher risk, such as those living in outbreak areas, may consider a booster shot if they were vaccinated many years ago.

Health experts emphasize the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates within communities, as achieving herd immunity--defined as a vaccination rate above 95%--is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases like measles.

Measles symptoms typically begin with respiratory issues, followed by a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash usually appears three to five days after the onset of symptoms. While many children recover from measles, it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles, and care focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.