Measles outbreak: Texas says measles cases rise further, CDC sends more help
The measles outbreak in Texas has worsened, with the Texas Department of State Health Services reporting 561 confirmed cases as of April 15, 2025, an increase of 20 cases since April 11. This outbreak is primarily concentrated in West Texas, especially in Gaines County, which has a large unvaccinated Mennonite community and accounts for a significant portion of the cases. Hospitalizations have reached 58, and tragically, two unvaccinated children have died due to measles complications.
The outbreak is part of a larger resurgence of measles in the U.S. in 2025, with over 700 cases reported nationwide across 25 states, making it the second worst year for measles in decades. Texas alone accounts for about 90 percent of the cases nationally. Other states affected include New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, with New Mexico reporting 63 cases linked genetically to the Texas outbreak. There have been three deaths associated with this outbreak: two children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is struggling to respond effectively due to recent cuts in pandemic-related funding for state health departments, which has impacted Texas’s ability to manage the outbreak. The CDC has sent additional personnel to Texas to provide technical support and is supplying vaccines and aiding in surveillance efforts. However, resource constraints remain a significant challenge, with the CDC noting that each measles case costs between $30,000 and $50,000 in public health response efforts.
The outbreak is fueled by transmission in closely-knit, undervaccinated communities, and genetic analysis has linked the Texas outbreak to cases in Mexico and Canada. Health officials warn that the virus could establish itself in other U.S. communities with low vaccination rates, potentially prolonging transmission over the coming year. Measles, though declared eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, has resurged due to waning vaccination coverage.
Texas measles cases have risen to 561 with 58 hospitalizations and 2 child deaths.
The outbreak is centered in West Texas, especially Gaines County.
Over 700 cases reported nationwide, with outbreaks in multiple states.
CDC is providing additional support but faces funding and resource challenges.
The outbreak is linked to undervaccinated communities and has spread to neighboring states and Mexico.
Measles vaccination remains the key preventive measure.
