West Texas and New Mexico are currently grappling with a significant measles outbreak, with over 250 cases reported, including two deaths linked to the unvaccinated. The contagious virus, which spreads through the air via infected individuals who breathe, sneeze, or cough, was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, thanks primarily to widespread vaccination.
In Texas, health officials announced an increase of 25 new measles cases since the previous week, raising the state’s total count to 223. Of these, 29 individuals are currently hospitalized. Meanwhile, New Mexico’s total rose to 33 following three new reported cases, with the outbreak initially concentrated in Lea County, bordering West Texas, and now spreading to Eddy County.
Apart from these states, measles cases have also cropped up across the nation, including in Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
The U.S. defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. This year, three groups of cases across the country have met the criteria for an outbreak. Typically, these outbreaks are traced back to cases contracted abroad, which then spread in U.S. communities, particularly those with lower vaccination rates.
Vaccination remains the best defense against the disease. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is administered in two doses, the first recommended for children between 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 to 6 years. High-risk individuals who were vaccinated years ago might consider a booster shot, particularly those living in outbreak zones, or those with conditions making them vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, according to Scott Weaver from the Global Virus Network.
For most adults with documented immunity, including those vaccinated sufficiently early in life, further measles vaccinations are not necessary. However, anyone vaccinated before 1968 with the earlier “killed virus” vaccine is advised to receive at least one dose of the current vaccine.
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, runny nose, cough, and a hallmark rash that starts on the face and spreads. The appearance of the rash usually follows the initial symptoms by three to five days, potentially accompanying a severe fever spike above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is no specific treatment for measles; medical care focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. The onset of symptoms necessitates keeping patients comfortable and minimizing the risk of spreading the virus.
A key factor in controlling measles is maintaining high vaccination rates among the community. Herd immunity, which occurs when a significant portion of the population (above 95%) is vaccinated, helps prevent the spread of diseases like measles. However, nationwide vaccination rates have seen a decline since the pandemic began, with more parents opting out of mandatory vaccinations for their children due to religious or personal beliefs.
This rising trend of vaccination reluctance coincided with an increase in measles incidents, including a notable outbreak in Chicago in 2024 and a severe spike in cases in 2019, which marked the worst year for measles in nearly three decades.
The current outbreak underlines the ongoing challenges public health officials face in battling preventable diseases and underscores the critical importance of maintaining high immunization coverage to protect communities from outbreaks.