United States: Health officials in Texas and New Mexico are tracking escalating measles outbreaks, with nearly 100 reported cases across both states. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed 90 cases in the past month, predominantly in the South Plains region. Of these, 77 infections were recorded among children and teenagers under 17.
In neighbouring New Mexico, at least nine cases have been identified in Lea County, which borders Texas. Officials fear the actual number of infections could be higher, as some cases may go unreported. Measles, one of the most infectious infectious diseases, can lead to severe complications, particularly for young children and pregnant women.
Symptoms include fever, cough, eye irritation, and a distinctive rash. In extreme cases, measles can result in pneumonia, neurological impairment, hearing loss, and death. Survivors may also face long-term risks, such as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal degenerative brain condition.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University stated that, “It is troubling because this was thoroughly preventable. It’s the most contagious infectious disease known to humans.”
Measles outbreaks have been correlated to declining vaccination rates in certain areas, fueled by misinformation and growing vaccine scepticism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provide 97 percent protection.
DSHS will continue to post updates on Tuesdays and Fridays if there are new cases to report.
Learn more here: https://t.co/D81ffL5NqI. pic.twitter.com/tQiLMSx3UP
— Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) February 21, 2025
While New Mexico met the advised 95 percent community vaccination threshold among kindergarteners in the 2023-2024 school year, Texas reported a slightly lower rate of 94.3 percent. However, some Texas counties are seeing rising exemption rates. In Gaines County, where 57 cases have been reported, 17.62 percent of students had a vaccine exemption—more than double the rate from a decade ago.
Of the 90 measles cases in Texas, 85 involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. The outbreak has attracted renewed attention to vaccine reluctance, particularly in communities with historically low immunization rates.
The affected region in Texas is home to a large Mennonite population, which has traditionally opposed vaccinations due to religious beliefs.
Despite the growing outbreak, some officials remain hesitant to impose stricter vaccine policies. Albert Pilkington, CEO of the Seminole Hospital District stated that, “We respect everyone’s right to vaccinate or not get vaccinated. That’s just what it means to be an American, right?”
To combat the outbreak, health officials in New Mexico are delivering free vaccination clinics, while Texas authorities are encouraging residents to get vaccinated through their healthcare providers or local clinics. The U.S. has maintained routine measles vaccination since 1963, significantly lowering cases and hospitalizations.
Before the vaccine was introduced, measles led to 48,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths annually. By comparison, in 2024, the U.S. recorded 285 cases and 114 hospitalizations. Health experts warn that without sufficient vaccination rates, measles could regain a foothold, posing a serious public health risk.
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