A sign outside Seminole Hospital District in Seminole, Texas, offers measles testing on February 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The measles outbreak in Texas is showing signs of calming down, with fewer than 10 new cases reported in the past week. However, health experts warn that the situation isn’t over yet, especially as travel increases during this season. Dr. Manisha Patel from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stressed that the outbreak remains a concern because measles is still active in many parts of the world.
As of Friday, the total number of measles cases across the United States has risen slightly to 1,024, with Texas still reporting the majority of infections. Other parts of North America are also facing outbreaks. Ontario, Canada, has seen a surge with 1,622 cases since last October, and Alberta reports over 400 cases. Meanwhile, the Mexican state of Chihuahua has reported 1,306 cases and one death.
Since the outbreak began in the southwestern U.S., three people have died from measles — two children in West Texas and an adult in New Mexico. All three were unvaccinated, highlighting the risk of avoiding immunization. Several other states, including Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, continue to report smaller outbreaks.
Measles spreads easily through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or breathe. Though it was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to vaccines, outbreaks still happen, especially when vaccination rates drop.
Measles in Texas
Texas has reported 718 cases across 32 counties, mostly in West Texas. The number of hospitalizations has remained steady at 93. Most cases are concentrated in Gaines County, where a close-knit Mennonite community with low vaccination rates has been heavily affected. This county alone accounts for over half of Texas’ cases, with around 1.7% of the county’s population infected.
Two children under the age of 10 have died in Texas due to measles complications. One was an eight-year-old who died from respiratory failure caused by measles despite having no other health problems.
Measles in Neighboring States
New Mexico reported two new cases this week, totaling 73 cases mostly in Lea County. One adult died in early March after not seeking medical help. Oklahoma’s numbers remain steady at 14 confirmed cases, with public exposures reported in a few counties.
Kansas has 56 cases, mostly in Gray County, with two people hospitalized. Indiana and Michigan each have eight cases, with Michigan linking its outbreak to the one in Ontario. Montana and North Dakota have eight and 12 cases respectively, marking a return of measles after years without any reports.
Ohio has 34 cases with outbreaks in two counties, while Pennsylvania has 15, including a small outbreak in Erie County. Tennessee reports six cases clustered in the middle of the state.
Measles Beyond the Outbreak Areas
Cases have also appeared in many other U.S. states, from Alaska to Washington. Most infections are traced back to people who caught the disease abroad and then brought it home. The CDC says more Americans are getting measles from outside the country than last year, especially those who aren’t vaccinated.
The Importance of Vaccination
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which also guards against mumps and rubella. Children typically get two doses — the first between 12-15 months old and the second between 4-6 years old. Adults can get a booster if needed. Vaccines remain the safest way to avoid illness and protect communities by creating “herd immunity.”
What to Watch For
Measles symptoms start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads over the body. While many recover fully, some cases lead to serious complications like pneumonia or brain swelling.
There’s no specific cure for measles, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and preventing complications.
