Texas Measles Map Shows Hardest Hit Counties as Outbreak Grows

The Resurgence of Measles in Texas: A Growing Health Concern

Measles, a highly contagious and airborne illness, is making a troubling comeback in Texas, alarming health officials and communities alike. The state has reported 90 confirmed cases across several counties, with the majority concentrated in Gaines County. This outbreak, the largest in nearly 30 years, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of vaccination efforts and the potential for further spread. Measles, once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, is now reemerging due to declining vaccination rates, particularly among school-aged children. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has identified that most cases are within a close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite community, where families often opt out of vaccines for religious or personal reasons. This resurgence underscores the importance of public health measures and the need for renewed efforts to combat misconceptions about vaccines.

Why Measles Matters: The Risks and Consequences

Measles is not just a simple rash illness; it is extremely infectious and can have severe consequences. According to the CDC, up to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will contract the virus. Before the widespread use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, measles claimed the lives of 400 to 500 people annually in the U.S. and hospitalized 48,000 others. While the MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, vaccination rates in Texas have fallen below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity. This decline has created vulnerable pockets in communities, allowing measles to spread quickly. The current outbreak in Texas highlights the dangers of complacency and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health.

The Outbreak in Texas: A Snapshot of the Crisis

The measles outbreak in Texas is concentrated in several counties, with Gaines County accounting for 57 cases, Terry County reporting 20, and smaller numbers in Dawson, Ector, Lubbock, Lynn, and Yoakum Counties. The majority of cases—51—involve children aged 5-17, while 26 cases are in children under the age of 5. Ten cases have been reported in adults aged 18 and over, and three cases are still pending age determination. Among the 90 cases, 16 patients have been hospitalized, including five who were vaccinated, while the rest were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. This outbreak is particularly concerning because it highlights the risks faced by unvaccinated individuals, especially young children who are too young to be vaccinated.

Understanding the Resurgence: Low Vaccination Rates and Community Factors

The measles outbreak in Texas is closely tied to low vaccination rates, particularly in Gaines County, where nearly 14% of school-aged children opted out of at least one required vaccine in the 2023-24 school year. This number does not include homeschooled children, whose vaccination status is not reported, potentially making the actual percentage even higher. The situation is further complicated by the fact that many cases are within a close-knit, undervaccinated community, where misinformation and vaccine hesitancy may play a role. Health officials have stressed that measles primarily affects unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals, and the MMR vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent the disease.

What’s Happening Next: Public Health Response and Prevention Efforts

To curb the spread of measles, health workers in Texas are conducting regular vaccination clinics and screening events. They are also partnering with schools to educate the public about the importance of vaccination and offering measles shots. In New Mexico, where a smaller outbreak has been reported in Lea County, health officials are coordinating vaccination clinics in Hobbs. While the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico are currently unrelated, the contagious nature of measles means additional cases are likely in the affected areas and nearby communities. Authorities are actively investigating the outbreaks and working to identify potential exposure locations to contain the spread.

The Broader Implications: A Nationwide Challenge and the Role of Misinformation

The measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico are part of a larger national trend. According to the CDC, there have already been three measles outbreaks reported in 2025, with cases in states like Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York City, and Rhode Island. Many of these outbreaks have been linked to declining vaccination rates, particularly among children, as some parents opt out of vaccines due to religious or personal beliefs. The recent confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known vaccine critic, as Secretary of Health and Human Services has raised concerns among medical professionals, even though he has vowed to protect existing vaccination programs. The CDC continues to emphasize that vaccines are safe and that there is no link between vaccines and autism, a claim repeatedly debunked by scientific studies.

As the measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico demonstrate, the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases is far from over. While public health officials work tirelessly to contain the spread of measles, the broader challenge lies in addressing the root causes of vaccine hesitancy and ensuring that communities are protected through high vaccination rates. By promoting education, addressing misinformation, and supporting vaccination efforts, society can work toward preventing future outbreaks and safeguarding public health.