Texas & New Mexico Measles Outbreaks Surge: Over 300 Cases & 2 Deaths.
U.S. Faces Worst Measles Outbreak in Years.
Measles outbreaks in West Texas and New Mexico have skyrocketed, surpassing last year’s national total in just three months of 2025. With at least 259 cases in Texas and 35 in New Mexico, health officials are scrambling to contain the spread. The highly contagious virus has already caused two deaths, marking the first U.S. measles-related fatalities in a decade.
Texas reported its first measles death on Feb. 26—a school-aged child who was unvaccinated and had no underlying health conditions, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. New Mexico confirmed its first fatality on March 7, an unvaccinated adult who did not seek medical care before dying. Officials are still investigating the exact cause of death.
How Fast Is Measles Spreading?
In Texas, cases have been reported in 11 counties, with the hardest-hit areas including:
- Gaines County – 174 cases
- Terry County – 36 cases
- Dawson & Yoakum Counties – 11 cases each
Most cases involve unvaccinated children. Among the 259 confirmed Texas cases, only two people had received both doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella).
In New Mexico, 35 cases have been confirmed, mostly in Lea County. Two new cases were recently detected in Eddy County, showing the outbreak is spreading. Nearly all infected individuals were unvaccinated, according to state health officials.
Oklahoma has also reported two probable measles cases, linked to exposure from the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.
Why Is Measles Making a Comeback?
Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, declining vaccination rates have fueled its resurgence. The CDC states that 95% vaccine coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks, but many states have fallen below this threshold.
- Gaines County, Texas: Only 82% of kindergarteners were vaccinated in the 2023-24 school year—one of the lowest rates in the state.
- Texas & New Mexico cases: 95% were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
Adding to the controversy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, was recently confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. He has called for an investigation into the childhood vaccine schedule, raising concerns about how his stance may impact national immunization efforts.
How Dangerous Is Measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses, infecting 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contaminated surfaces, and symptoms appear 7–14 days after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough & runny nose
- Red rash spreading from the face downward
Severe cases can lead to:
- Pneumonia
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
- Death—especially in children under 5 years old and adults over 20.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective at preventing measles.
How Many U.S. Measles Cases in 2025?
As of March 14, 2025, the CDC has confirmed 301 measles cases across 14 states, with 17% of patients hospitalized. The affected states include:
- Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma (outbreak centers)
- California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York
- Pennsylvania, Washington, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland, Alaska
This year’s total has already surpassed 2024’s count (285 cases) and could approach 2019’s record of 1,282 cases—the worst U.S. measles outbreak in decades.
Health officials warn that more cases will emerge as vaccination gaps persist. The New Mexico Department of Health expects to continue identifying new infections, emphasizing that vaccination remains the best protection against measles.
