A measles outbreak in the southwestern United States has raised public health concerns, with Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma reporting 355 confirmed cases and two fatalities as of March 2025. The outbreak began in January with cases linked to international travel in Houston and Lubbock, Texas, before spreading to rural counties and neighboring states. Tragically, the deaths involved a six-year-old child in Lubbock and an adult in New Mexico, both unvaccinated. This resurgence highlights declining vaccination rates, as measles had been declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Measles is an airborne viral disease caused by the Measles morbillivirus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and remains highly contagious for up to two hours in the air. Symptoms typically appear 10–14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash. Severe complications can occur, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or even death, particularly in young children or unvaccinated individuals.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provides 93% protection after one dose and 97% after two doses. However, vaccination rates have declined globally and in the U.S., partly due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. In some communities, coverage has fallen below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Historically, measles caused widespread illness before vaccines were introduced in 1963. Epidemics occur every two to three years, resulting in millions of deaths annually worldwide. Despite significant progress in reducing cases through vaccination campaigns—saving over 60 million lives between 2000 and 2023—measles remains a global threat due to gaps in immunization coverage.
The current outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent future epidemics. Public health officials urge individuals to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date and emphasize the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine.
