Imagine the chaos as measles—once thought eliminated from the U.S.—surges back from the brink, raising the alarm for an urgent vaccination response.
At a Glance
- Measles outbreaks are ongoing in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
- 768 confirmed measles cases nationwide, majority linked to local outbreaks.
- Current outbreak is the second highest since measles elimination in 2000.
- Texas sees a particularly severe outbreak with 561 cases and two related child deaths.
Measles Resurges Across Four States
Measles outbreaks are causing serious concerns across Texas and New Mexico, extending to Oklahoma and Kansas. The United States sees 768 confirmed or probable cases, 709 of which are linked to outbreaks, while 59 are associated with international travel. The Texas outbreak, originating in Gaines County, reports 561 predominantly unvaccinated cases, resulting in two child fatalities. In New Mexico, 63 cases have surfaced, with one potential death linked to the virus.
Watch video coverage of the massive outbreaks!
Kansas, with 32 cases primarily among unvaccinated children, and Oklahoma, recording 12 cases, are both feeling the impact of the outbreak spread from Texas and New Mexico. Measles, a highly contagious virus, demands over 94% community vaccination to prevent outbreaks. However, declining vaccination rates threaten the country’s previous elimination success. With low vaccination rates attributed to both cultural practices and policy exemptions, public health experts stress on high coverage for effective disease management.
The multistate outbreak confirms health experts' fears that the virus will take hold in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates and that the spread could stretch on for a year. https://t.co/mqaSCmnYDf
— KENS 5 (@KENS5) April 16, 2025
Urgency of Vaccination and Awareness
The Texas measles outbreak has resulted in the nation’s first related death in a decade, significantly raising alarm among health officials. Reports from March 2025 highlighted 378 measles cases and two fatalities across 17 states. The majority of these involve unvaccinated children, leading to a hospitalization rate of 17%. Effective vaccination can prevent fatalities, as the M.M.R. vaccine shows 97% effectiveness. It’s critical for the country to reinforce its vaccination strategies to prevent further spread.
“The most effective way to prevent measles is vaccination.” – Caitlin Naureckas Li, MD MHQS
Pediatric infectious disease experts emphasize vaccination’s protective role against serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, both of which have high morbidity rates. Supportive care remains crucial for cases, but effective prevention via vaccination is paramount. Public health measures are in place, including rapid response teams, vaccination campaigns, and post-exposure treatments, yet misinformation and declining vaccination trends could undermine these efforts.
https://twitter.com/CBSEveningNews/status/1905755666977108114
Addressing Vaccination Hesitancy
The measles resurgence highlights flaws within current vaccination policies. Texas’s “reasons of conscience” exemptions and cultural practices among some groups, such as the Mennonite community, significantly impact vaccination rates. Pediatricians face an uphill battle in promoting vaccination amidst widespread misinformation that fuels hesitancy. Public awareness campaigns need intensifying to dispel myths and ensure comprehensive coverage to prevent further outbreaks.
“If parents are concerned that their child was exposed to measles or may have measles, they should call their child’s doctor. They should not attempt to treat measles on their own without a physician’s advice.” – Caitlin Naureckas Li, MD MHQS
In the face of mounting threat levels, the necessity of maintaining high vaccination standards and robust surveillance cannot be overstated. This resurgence is a call to action for a policy shift towards mandatory vaccinations to retain the nation’s hard-won elimination status, secure public safety, and safeguard the health of future generations.
