Measles Cases Rising in Texas – Telemundo Houston
- Health officials are monitoring multiple measles outbreaks across the United States, with Texas reporting the highest number of cases.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that...
- As of Friday, outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases, were active in at least five states, including New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma, in addition to...
- Experts fear the virus has taken root in communities with low vaccination rates,perhaps leading to continued spread throughout the year.The world Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that cases...
Measles Outbreaks Across U.S. Spark Concern
Table of Contents
- Measles Outbreaks Across U.S. Spark Concern
- Measles Outbreaks in the U.S.: Your Questions Answered
- What’s Happening with Measles in the U.S. Right Now?
- How Many Measles Outbreaks Are There, and Were Are They Happening?
- How Serious Are These Measles Outbreaks?
- What Causes Measles?
- What are the Symptoms of Measles?
- What Complications Can Measles Cause?
- Is There a Treatment for Measles?
- Can Measles Be Prevented?
- What is the MMR Vaccine?
- Who Should Get the MMR Vaccine, and When?
- Who Might consider a Booster MMR Vaccine?
- Do Adults Need to Be Revaccinated for Measles?
- How Can I check My Immunity to Measles?
- Why are Measles outbreaks happening Now?
- Has Measles Been Eliminated in the U.S.?
- Where Can I Get the MMR Vaccine?
- What Should I Do if I Think I or My Child Has Measles?
Health officials are monitoring multiple measles outbreaks across the United States, with Texas reporting the highest number of cases.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of measles cases this year has already surpassed the total for all of 2024.
As of Friday, outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases, were active in at least five states, including New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma, in addition to Texas.Since February,two unvaccinated individuals have died from measles-related causes,heightening concerns among health experts.
Experts fear the virus has taken root in communities with low vaccination rates,perhaps leading to continued spread throughout the year.The world Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that cases in Mexico are linked to the outbreak originating in Texas.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. While preventable through vaccination, the virus was considered eliminated in the U.S. as 2000.
Texas and New Mexico Measles Cases
The Texas outbreak, wich began two months ago, has seen a notable increase in cases. State health authorities reported 73 new cases as Tuesday, bringing the total to 400 across 17 counties, primarily in western Texas. Forty-one individuals have been hospitalized since the outbreak began, with Andrews and Midland counties recently added to the list.
New Mexico reported an additional case on Friday, raising its total to 44. Health officials in New Mexico have confirmed through genetic testing that these cases are linked to the Texas outbreak. the majority of cases are concentrated in Lea County, where two people have been hospitalized, with two additional cases in eddy County.
Tragically,a school-aged boy in Texas died from measles at the end of February,and New Mexico reported its frist measles-related death in an adult on March 6.
Kansas Measles Cases
Kansas has reported 23 measles cases across six counties in the southwestern part of the state. Kiowa and Stevens counties each have six cases, while Grant, Morton, Haskell, and Gray counties have five or fewer.
According to a state Health Department spokesman, the first case reported in Kansas, identified in Stevens County on March 13, is genetically linked to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. However, the source of exposure remains undetermined.
Oklahoma Measles Cases
Oklahoma’s case count remained stable this week at nine, consisting of seven confirmed and two probable cases. The State Health Department has stated that the initial two probable cases are “associated” with the outbreaks in western Texas and New mexico.
Health officials have confirmed measles exposure events in tulsa and Rogers counties, but specific case locations have not been disclosed.
ohio Measles Cases
Ohio has reported 10 measles cases in Ashtabula County,located in the northeastern part of the state. Nine of these cases were reported this week. The initial case involved an unvaccinated adult who had contact with someone who had traveled internationally.
In central Ohio, Knox County authorities are monitoring potential exposures related to individuals with measles who visited the area while contagious. In 2022, a measles outbreak in central Ohio affected 85 people.
Measles Cases Across the U.S.
Sporadic measles cases have also been reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.
the CDC defines a measles outbreak as three or more related cases. As of Friday, the agency identified five such outbreaks in 2025.
In the U.S., measles cases and outbreaks typically originate with individuals who contract the disease abroad. The virus can then spread, notably in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2019, the U.S. recorded 1,274 cases, nearly losing its measles elimination status.
MMR Vaccine Recommendations
The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC recommends the first dose for children between 12 and 15 months of age and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
According to Scott Weaver, with the Global Virus Network, individuals at high risk of infection who received vaccines manny years ago might consider a booster if they reside in an area experiencing an outbreak. This includes family members living with someone who has measles or those particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses due to underlying health conditions.
The CDC states that adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally do not require revaccination. Criteria for immunity include written documentation of adequate vaccination, laboratory confirmation of past infection, or birth before 1957, when natural infection was common.
A physician can order an MMR titer, a laboratory test to assess antibody levels against measles. However, health experts do not always recommend this approach, and insurance coverage may vary.
The CDC advises that receiving an additional MMR vaccine is safe, even if ther are concerns about waning immunity.
Individuals with documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need revaccination. however, those immunized before 1968 with an ineffective “killed” virus vaccine should receive at least one dose of the current vaccine. This proposal also applies to individuals unsure of the type of vaccine they received.
Measles Symptoms
Measles initially infects the respiratory tract before spreading throughout the body, causing symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash.
The rash typically appears three to five days after the onset of initial symptoms, starting as flat, red spots on the face and then spreading down to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. The CDC notes that fever can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears.
While most children recover from measles, the infection can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, blindness, brain inflammation, and death.
Measles Treatment
Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles. Medical care focuses on alleviating symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort.
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Measles Outbreaks in the U.S.: Your Questions Answered
Measles outbreaks are making headlines across the U.S., prompting concerns among health officials and the public. This article provides clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions about the recent outbreaks, the disease itself, and how to stay informed and protected.
What’s Happening with Measles in the U.S. Right Now?
The United States is currently experiencing multiple measles outbreaks. Health officials are closely monitoring thes flare-ups, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that the number of cases this year has already surpassed the total for all of 2024.
How Many Measles Outbreaks Are There, and Were Are They Happening?
As of the time of the original article, outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases) were active in at least five states:
Texas: Reporting the highest number of cases.
New Mexico: With cases linked to the Texas outbreak.
Kansas
Oklahoma
Ohio
Additionally, sporadic cases have been reported in numerous other states, including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.
How Serious Are These Measles Outbreaks?
These outbreaks are a serious concern. tragically, there have been measles-related deaths, highlighting the potential severity of the illness, especially for unvaccinated individuals. The rapid spread and the fact that the number of cases has already exceeded the whole previous year is a stark warning about the importance of vaccination.
What Causes Measles?
Measles is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus. It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. A person can contract measles if they come into contact with respiratory droplets or are in the same air as an infected person.
What are the Symptoms of Measles?
Here are the common symptoms of measles to watch out for:
High fever
Runny nose
Cough
Red and watery eyes
Characteristic rash: flat, red spots that start on the face and spread down the body.
Note: The rash typically appears three to five days after the onset of initial symptoms, and fever can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit when the rash appears.
What Complications Can Measles Cause?
While most children recover from measles, the infection can led to serious complications, including:
Pneumonia
Blindness
Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
Death
Is There a Treatment for Measles?
No, there is no specific treatment for measles itself. Medical care focuses on alleviating symptoms, preventing complications, and ensuring patient comfort. Supportive care includes rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever.
Can Measles Be Prevented?
Yes, measles is preventable through vaccination. This is the most effective way to protect yourself and others.
What is the MMR Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Who Should Get the MMR Vaccine, and When?
The CDC recommends the first dose of the MMR vaccine for children between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Who Might consider a Booster MMR Vaccine?
According to Scott Weaver, with the Global Virus Network, individuals at high risk of infection who received vaccines many years ago might consider a booster if they:
reside in areas experiencing an outbreak.
Are family members living with someone who has measles.
Are particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses due to underlying health conditions.
Note: Additional MMR doses are safe even if there is a concern about waning immunity.
Do Adults Need to Be Revaccinated for Measles?
The CDC provides the following advice:
Adults with “presumptive evidence of immunity” generally do not require revaccination.
Criteria for immunity:
Written documentation of adequate vaccination.
laboratory confirmation of past infection.
Birth before 1957 (when natural infection was common).
Individuals with documentation of receiving a live measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need revaccination. However, those immunized before 1968 with an ineffective “killed” virus vaccine should receive at least one dose of the current vaccine. This also applies to those unsure of the vaccine type received.
How Can I check My Immunity to Measles?
A physician can order an MMR titer, a laboratory test to assess antibody levels against measles. Though, health experts do not always reccommend this approach, and insurance coverage may vary.
Why are Measles outbreaks happening Now?
measles outbreaks in the U.S. often originate with individuals who contract the disease abroad. The virus then spreads, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. Experts fear the virus has taken root in areas with low vaccination rates.
Has Measles Been Eliminated in the U.S.?
Measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. as of 2000.
* The U.S. nearly lost its measles elimination status in 2019 when 1,274 cases were recorded.
Where Can I Get the MMR Vaccine?
Contact your primary care physician. Many pharmacies and public health clinics also offer the vaccine.
What Should I Do if I Think I or My Child Has Measles?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can provide guidance on testing, treatment, and steps to prevent the spread of the virus.