- Texas reports 422 measles cases as of April 1, 2025.
- Gaines County remains the epicenter with 280 cases.
- New cases reported in Brown and Erath counties, Central Texas.
- Low vaccination rates contribute to the rapid spread.
- Neighboring states like New Mexico and Oklahoma also see rising cases.
Measles Outbreak in Texas Reaches 422 Cases
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed 422 cases of measles as of April 1, 2025, marking a significant increase from 400 cases reported just days earlier. This outbreak, one of the largest in the United States in the past decade, has raised public health concerns, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.
Gaines County: The Epicenter
Gaines County in West Texas remains the epicenter of the outbreak, with 280 confirmed cases. The outbreak began in late January and has since spread to neighboring counties. Health officials have attributed the rapid spread to low vaccination rates in the region. Nearly 14% of school-aged children in Gaines County opted out of at least one required vaccine during the 2023–2024 school year, a figure that excludes homeschooled children whose data is not reported.
New Cases in Central Texas
For the first time, the outbreak has expanded into Central Texas, with Brown and Erath counties reporting their first cases. This development underscores the virus’s ability to spread quickly, particularly in communities with insufficient herd immunity. Both counties are now under heightened surveillance as health officials work to contain the spread.
Neighboring States Also Affected
The outbreak is not confined to Texas. New Mexico has reported 48 cases, most of which are in Lea County, adjacent to Gaines County. Oklahoma has also seen a rise in cases, with 10 confirmed cases as of April 1. Genetic testing has linked many of these cases to the Texas outbreak, highlighting the regional nature of the crisis.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Risks
Health experts have consistently warned that low vaccination rates make communities vulnerable to highly contagious diseases like measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. However, vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more parents claiming religious or personal exemptions for their children.
National Impact
As of March 27, 2025, the CDC reported 483 confirmed measles cases across 20 U.S. jurisdictions, surpassing the total number of cases reported in 2024. States affected include Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, and New York, among others. The CDC has identified five clusters of outbreaks, with the Texas outbreak being the most severe.
Health Complications and Fatalities
Measles is not a benign illness. It can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death. In Texas, a school-aged child died from measles-related complications in late February, and New Mexico reported its first measles-related death in an adult on March 6. To date, 42 people have been hospitalized in Texas due to the outbreak.
Efforts to Contain the Outbreak
Public health officials are ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak. Vaccination clinics are being held regularly in affected areas, and schools are being engaged to educate parents about the importance of immunization. The DSHS is also providing updates twice a week to keep the public informed.
What You Need to Know About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Vaccination: The Best Defense
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. The CDC recommends two doses: the first for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status can consult their healthcare provider for guidance.
Looking Ahead
With the outbreak continuing to grow, public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent further spread. Communities with high vaccination rates are better equipped to achieve herd immunity, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. The Texas DSHS and the CDC will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.