As of April 22, 2025, Texas has reported 624 confirmed measles cases, marking a significant increase in one of the most severe outbreaks in recent U.S. history. Gaines County remains the epicenter, accounting for 386 cases. The outbreak has resulted in 64 hospitalizations and two deaths among unvaccinated children without underlying conditions. Neighboring New Mexico has also seen a rise in infections, with a total of 65 cases, primarily in Lea County, adjacent to Gaines County. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 800 measles cases across 25 jurisdictions as of April 17. In response, the CDC deployed 22 personnel to Texas for on-site assistance from March 4 to April 15. Health officials warn that continued spread of measles could jeopardize the U.S.'s measles elimination status by January 20, 2026. Experts attribute the outbreak in part to declining vaccination rates, now below the 95% needed for herd immunity, as well as insufficient pro-vaccine advocacy and misinformation. The CDC states that 96% of current cases are among unvaccinated or vaccination-status-unknown individuals.

The outbreak began in late January 2025, with initial cases reported in Harris County, Texas. By February 21, the virus had spread to multiple counties, including Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Lubbock, Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum, with 90 confirmed cases and 16 hospitalizations. By March 21, the number of cases had risen to 309, with 40 hospitalizations and one fatality—a school-aged, unvaccinated child without underlying conditions. Gaines County emerged as the focal point, accounting for 211 cases at that time.

Health officials attribute the outbreak to declining vaccination rates, now below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. The CDC stated that 96% of current cases are among unvaccinated or individuals with unknown vaccination status.

Additionally, inconsistent messaging from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been criticized for sowing confusion among parents. Kennedy's mixed statements on vaccination and promotion of unproven treatments like vitamin A and antibiotics have undermined public trust.

The outbreak has highlighted the critical need for unified, science-based communication to counter growing vaccine skepticism and misinformation. Pediatricians and infectious disease specialists emphasize the importance of clear messaging to maintain public trust in vaccination programs.

Furthermore, federal budget cuts under the Trump administration have raised concerns about the impact on the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides free vaccines to children. Reductions in the Department of Health and Human Services workforce and the cancellation of $11 billion in COVID-related grants have affected outreach efforts crucial to promoting vaccine safety and coverage, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Measles can lead to severe and long-term health consequences in children, including pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and long-term immune suppression termed "immune amnesia," which erases protection against previously encountered infections. In rare cases, the virus can persist in the nervous system and cause subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) years later, leading to cognitive and physical decline, coma, and death. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective and has saved an estimated 154 million lives globally since 1974.

This outbreak is among the most significant in recent U.S. history. In 2019, a nearly year-long outbreak in New York came within weeks of ending the U.S.'s measles elimination status. The current outbreak's rapid spread and high case numbers underscore the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent future outbreaks.

The 2025 measles outbreak in Texas and neighboring states serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of declining vaccination rates and the spread of misinformation. It underscores the urgent need for coordinated public health efforts, clear communication, and robust vaccination programs to prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases.