Measles in U.S.: Latest Maps & Cases
- Measles continues its alarming spread in West Texas and New Mexico, with over 250 individuals infected, predominantly unvaccinated school-age children.
- Adding to the concern, two cases in Oklahoma have been linked to thes outbreaks, though state officials have not specified the exact location.
- Source: State health departments; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Measles Outbreak Spreads Across West Texas, new Mexico, and Oklahoma
Table of Contents
- Measles Outbreak Spreads Across West Texas, new Mexico, and Oklahoma
- Measles Outbreak: Q&A on the Rising Threat and What You Need to Know
Published: March 11, 2025
Measles continues its alarming spread in West Texas and New Mexico, with over 250 individuals infected, predominantly unvaccinated school-age children. the highly contagious nature of measles poses a significant public health challenge.
Adding to the concern, two cases in Oklahoma have been linked to thes outbreaks, though state officials have not specified the exact location. Isolated measles cases, often connected to international travel, have also surfaced in eleven other states.
Measles Cases by County in 2025
● Isolated cases ● Outbreaks
Source: State health departments; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Note: Reported measles cases as of March 11.
Texas Measles Outbreak
The Texas outbreak began in late January, with local health officials reporting initial cases in Gaines County, a rural agricultural area in West Texas.
The situation quickly deteriorated.As of Tuesday, measles had spread to neighboring counties, infecting at least 223 people. Tragically, an unvaccinated young child died, marking the first such death in the United States in a decade. Twenty-nine people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
New Mexico Declares Outbreak
New Mexico also declared an outbreak in Lea County, bordering Gaines County, Texas. While not officially linked, officials believe the cases are “undoubtedly related.”
Measles Outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico
Reported measles cases for Texas and New Mexico counties as of March 11.
last week, an unvaccinated resident of Lea County who tested positive for the virus died, though officials have not yet confirmed that measles was the cause of death.
In both states, the majority of measles cases have occurred among individuals who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
Factors Contributing to the Outbreak
Gaines County has faced persistently low childhood vaccination rates, largely attributed to the area’s significant Mennonite community. While no explicit religious doctrine prohibits vaccines, this close-knit Christian group has historically limited interaction with the healthcare system, favoring home remedies and supplements.
last year,approximately 82 percent of kindergarten students in Gaines County received the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination (MMR),substantially below the 95 percent coverage needed to prevent outbreaks.
Texas public schools mandate certain vaccines, including the MMR shot, but parents can seek exemptions for “reasons of conscience,” including religious beliefs. Gaines County had one of the highest exemption rates in the state last year.
Vaccination rates vary significantly by school district. The Loop Independent School District in Gaines County, a small district with a single school, reported the lowest measles vaccination rate among affected Texas counties. In the 2023 school year, only 46 percent of kindergarten students had received their MMR vaccine, a decline from 82 percent in 2019.
Change in measles Vaccination Rates in Affected Texas Counties
By county,for public school districts and private schools,since 2019
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services
Chart shows the change in reported vaccination rates among kindergarten students in public school districts and private schools from 2019–20 to 2023–24. Homeschooled children are not included in this data.
In Lea County, N.M., the MMR vaccination rate for children and teens is relatively high, at about 94 percent. However, the rate among adults is much lower: 63 percent have received one shot of MMR, and only 55 percent have received both shots, according to local health officials. They noted that some vaccinated adults’ records may not be in the system.Adults account for over half of the reported cases in New mexico.
The Contagious Nature of measles
Measles is exceptionally contagious. Without immunity, a single infected person coudl possibly infect 18 others, leading to rapid outbreak escalation.
Vaccination is crucial in slowing the virus’s spread and limiting outbreaks.
To effectively halt an outbreak, each infected person needs to infect fewer than one other person, on average. This requires a high level of community immunity,with over 94 percent of the population vaccinated.
health Risks and Complications
While measles symptoms often resolve within a few weeks, the virus can cause severe complications in rare cases. These include pneumonia, which impairs oxygen intake, and brain swelling, potentially leading to lasting damage such as blindness, deafness, and intellectual disabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one or two out of every 1,000 children with measles will die.
The virus also causes “immune amnesia,” weakening the body’s defenses against previously encountered illnesses and increasing susceptibility to future infections.
Once infected, medical interventions are limited to managing symptoms, as there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Experts strongly recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine, which offers 97 percent protection against infection.
Measles Elimination at Risk
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, thanks to aggressive vaccination campaigns. However, declining childhood vaccination rates now threaten this status.
Measles Outbreak: Q&A on the Rising Threat and What You Need to Know
Measles, a disease once declared eliminated in the U.S., is making a concerning comeback. Recent outbreaks in West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma highlight the importance of vaccination and the potential dangers of declining immunization rates. This Q&A addresses key questions about the current measles situation, its causes, and what you can do to protect yourself and your community.
Understanding the Measles Outbreak
Q: Where are the current measles outbreaks occurring?
The primary outbreaks are centered in West texas and New Mexico.specifically,cases have been reported in Gaines County,Texas,and Lea county,New Mexico. Additionally, Oklahoma has reported two cases linked to these outbreaks. Isolated cases connected to international travel have also been reported in eleven other states.
Q: How many measles cases have been reported in the current outbreaks?
As of March 11,2025,over 250 individuals have been infected in West Texas and New Mexico.Texas alone has reported at least 223 cases.
Q: Is measles deadly?
Yes, measles can be deadly, especially for young children. Tragically, an unvaccinated young child in Texas died from measles, marking the first such death in the United States in a decade. The CDC estimates that one or two out of every 1,000 children with measles will die.
Q: What are the symptoms and health risks associated with measles?
While measles symptoms often resolve within a few weeks,complications can be severe. These include:
Pneumonia (impairs oxygen intake)
Brain swelling (can lead to blindness, deafness, and intellectual disabilities)
Immune amnesia (weakens the body’s defenses against previously encountered illnesses)
Q: Is there a treatment for measles?
Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Medical intervention is limited to managing the symptoms.
Factors Contributing to the Measles Resurgence
Q: Why are measles outbreaks occurring now?
Declining vaccination rates are the primary driver.The U.S. declared measles eliminated in 2000 thanks to aggressive vaccination campaigns; however,decreased immunity in certain populations has allowed the virus to re-emerge.
Q: What factors contribute to lower vaccination rates in affected areas?
Several factors are at play:
Lower Vaccination Rates: Some communities, such as the Mennonite community in Gaines County, Texas, have historically limited interaction with the healthcare system.
Vaccine Exemptions: Texas allows parents to seek exemptions from mandatory school vaccinations for “reasons of conscience,” including religious beliefs. Gaines County has one of the highest exemption rates in the state.
Varying Vaccination Rates by District: Even within affected areas, vaccination rates can vary significantly by school district.
Q: How contagious is measles?
measles is exceptionally contagious. A single infected person without immunity could perhaps infect 18 others.
Q: What percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent measles outbreaks?
To effectively halt an outbreak, over 94% of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve “community immunity.”
Measles Vaccination: Protection and Prevention
Q: What is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Q: Where can people get vaccinated?
Consult your family physician to get properly vaccinated.
Q: Do adults need to be vaccinated against measles?
While childhood vaccination rates are generally high, adult vaccination rates can be lower, particularly among older adults who may not have been vaccinated as children. In Lea County, New Mexico, for example, the MMR vaccination rate among adults is significantly lower than among children and teens.
Q: Is the measles vaccine safe?
The MMR vaccine has a long track record of safety and effectiveness. It is one of the most studied vaccines in the world and has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella.
Q: Are there any long-term effects after getting infected with Measles?
Yes, even after recovering from measles, there are potential long term effects that could occur. According to the article, the virus can cause “immune amnesia,” which weakens the body’s defenses against previously encountered illnesses and increases susceptibility to future infections.
Key Statistics on Measles Vaccination and Outbreaks
| Statistic | Data | Source |
| :———————————————– | :——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— | :———————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Measles Cases Reported (as of March 11, 2025) | Over 250 in West Texas and New Mexico | State health departments; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| MMR Vaccination Rate needed for Community Immunity | 94% | |
| Gaines County (Texas) MMR Vaccination Rate (kindergarten Students) | 82% (Approximate in previous years) | Texas Department of State Health Services |
| The Loop Independent School District in Gaines County (texas) MMR Vaccination Rate (Kindergarten Students) | 46% in the 2023 school year | Texas Department of State Health Services |
| Lea County (New Mexico) MMR Vaccination Rate(Children and Teens) | At about 94% |local health officials
| Lea County (New Mexico) MMR Vaccination Rate(Adults) | 63% have received one shot of MMR and only 55% have received both shots. |local health officials
Taking Action
Q: What can I do to protect myself and my community from measles?
ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated: Check your vaccination records and schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if needed.
Stay informed: Follow updates from reputable sources like the CDC and your local health department.
Advocate for vaccination: Talk to friends and family about the importance of vaccination and address any concerns or misinformation.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with those who are sick.