Measles Cases Rise in Texas Amid Vaccination Concerns \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A measles outbreak in rural West Texas has grown to over 120 cases, with an unvaccinated child’s death marking the first U.S. measles fatality since 2015. New Mexico has also reported cases, though officials say they are not directly linked to the Texas outbreak. Measles is highly contagious but preventable through the MMR vaccine, yet declining vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the risk of outbreaks. Experts emphasize that maintaining a 95% vaccination rate can effectively prevent future outbreaks.
Texas Measles Outbreak: Quick Looks
- Measles Cases Surging in Texas: More than 120 confirmed cases in rural West Texas, with additional cases in New Mexico.
- First U.S. Measles Death Since 2015: An unvaccinated child died from the virus, marking the first measles-related fatality in nearly a decade.
- Highly Contagious Virus: Measles spreads through the air, with one infected person able to transmit the virus to 15 others.
- Symptoms Start Mild, Then Intensify: Early signs include fever, cough, and red eyes, followed by a widespread rash and potential complications.
- Serious Complications Possible: About 1 in 5 unvaccinated cases require hospitalization, and 1 in 20 children develop pneumonia—a leading cause of measles-related deaths.
- MMR Vaccine is the Best Protection: The two-dose vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles and has saved millions of lives worldwide.
- Vaccination Rates Dropping: U.S. MMR vaccine coverage has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic, falling below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.
- Experts Urge Immediate Action: Health officials warn that without higher vaccination rates, the U.S. could see more outbreaks and preventable deaths.
Deep Look
Measles, a highly contagious yet preventable disease, is making a concerning resurgence in the U.S., particularly in rural West Texas, where an outbreak has exceeded 120 confirmed cases.
This week, an unvaccinated child died from the virus, marking the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Neighboring New Mexico has also reported nine cases, though health officials say they are not directly linked to the Texas outbreak.
The surge in cases has alarmed public health officials, who point to declining vaccination rates as a major factor in the reemergence of the virus.
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, sneezes, or coughs.
- One infected person can spread the virus to about 15 others, making measles one of the most transmissible diseases in the world.
- Early symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes.
- A rash develops 3–5 days after symptoms begin, spreading from the face downward.
- Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), or even death, especially in young children.
There is no specific treatment for measles—doctors can only manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Once a person recovers from measles, they develop lifelong immunity and cannot get it again.
Can Measles Be Deadly?
While most measles cases do not result in death, serious complications are common, particularly for:
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised individuals
According to the CDC:
- 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles will require hospitalization.
- 1 in 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, the leading cause of measles-related deaths.
- 1 in 1,000 cases results in brain swelling (encephalitis), which can cause seizures, deafness, or permanent brain damage.
- The virus is fatal in less than 1% of cases, typically due to pneumonia-related complications.
“Children develop the most severe illness, and pneumonia is often the leading cause of death,” said Scott Weaver, a virologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
How to Prevent Measles?
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- First dose: Given at 12–15 months old.
- Second dose: Given at 4–6 years old.
Before the vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, nearly everyone contracted measles, but widespread vaccination has reduced U.S. cases by 99%.
“The measles vaccine is one of the most successful in medical history,” Weaver said.
Despite decades of proven safety and effectiveness, vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Most U.S. states now fall below the 95% vaccination threshold required to prevent outbreaks.
- Public health experts warn that lower vaccination rates are fueling the return of measles in the U.S.
“If we maintain 95% vaccination, outbreaks won’t happen,” Weaver added. “But we’ve slipped below that in many parts of the country.”
Do Adults Need a Measles Booster?
Most people who received two doses of the MMR vaccine as a child are fully protected for life and do not need a booster.
However, those at higher risk of exposure—such as:
- Health care workers
- People living in outbreak areas
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
…may consider getting tested for measles antibodies and receiving a booster if necessary.
“If you got the standard two doses as a child, you don’t need to rush to get a booster,” Weaver said. “But those at high risk may want to consult a doctor.”
Why is Measles Making a Comeback?
The U.S. eliminated measles in 2000, but cases have reappeared in recent years due to:
1️⃣ Declining Vaccination Rates – Hesitancy and misinformation have caused MMR vaccine coverage to drop.
2️⃣ Travel & Imported Cases – Measles outbreaks abroad can spread to unvaccinated communities in the U.S.
3️⃣ Gaps in Herd Immunity – When fewer people get vaccinated, the virus spreads more easily.
“Any measles outbreak we see today is entirely preventable,” Weaver emphasized.
Conclusion: Vaccination is the Best Defense
With measles cases rising in Texas and New Mexico, health officials are urging parents to vaccinate their children and adults at risk to check their immunity.
- The West Texas outbreak has already led to over 120 cases and the first U.S. measles death in nearly a decade.
- The MMR vaccine remains the most effective way to stop the spread of the virus.
- If vaccination rates continue to decline, more outbreaks are likely across the U.S.
Public health officials stress the urgency of restoring high vaccination coverage to prevent further measles-related deaths.
“We have the tools to prevent this,” said Weaver. “But we need to use them.”
Measles Cases Rise
