A measles outbreak in West Texas has grown to 58 cases. In eastern New Mexico, eight people have also tested positive.
Measles spreads easily and can cause serious complications. Young children are especially at risk.
Officials say the actual number of infections is likely higher. They estimate between 200 and 300 cases have gone untested. Knowing the signs of measles can help limit its spread.
What Caused the Latest Measles Outbreak?
The outbreak in Texas started in an unvaccinated Mennonite community. Low vaccination rates made the outbreak more likely.
At least 20 Texas schools have measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine rates below 50%. In 2024, the CDC reported kindergarten vaccine rates fell below 93%. Experts say 95% is needed to prevent outbreaks.
Many affected families homeschool or attend small religious schools. New Mexico’s cases are in Lea County, which borders Gaines County. The cases include a family of five isolating at home. None have been hospitalized so far.
Officials say six of New Mexico’s infected people are unvaccinated.
How Dangerous is the Current Measles Outbreak?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air. Symptoms include fever, congestion, red eyes, and a full-body rash. About 20% of unvaccinated people with measles require hospitalization.
“On average, one person with measles can spread the virus to 12 to 18 other people who lack measles immunity, making it one of the most contagious viral diseases,” Dr. Glenn Fennelly, pediatric disease expert at Texas Tech University told Passport Health. “For example, measles is significantly more contagious than Ebola. If a nonimmune individual has contact with an infected person, there is a 90 percent probability that they will contract measles.”
One in 20 children with measles develops pneumonia, its leading cause of death. Other complications include ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, and brain swelling (encephalitis). Encephalitis affects one in 1,000 measles cases. It can cause deafness, convulsions, intellectual disabilities, and death.
Before vaccines, measles was the top killer of young children worldwide. In the U.S., 400 to 500 people died from measles yearly before the 1960s. Around 48,000 were hospitalized each year, with 1,000 developing encephalitis.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but cases have since risen. In 2019, measles cases hit 1,274, the highest since 1992.
Mass vaccination campaigns reduced global measles deaths by 94% since 2000. However, from 2020 to 2022, measles deaths more than doubled to 136,000. The CDC estimated 107,500 measles deaths in 2023. Most occurred in countries with low vaccination rates.
Between one and three of every 1,000 children with measles die from complications. Measles is especially deadly for children under five. It can also cause blindness and increase the risk of future infections.
Studies show measles weakens the immune system by erasing immune memory. Pregnant women with measles may have premature or low birth weight babies.
In 2024, U.S. measles cases rose again. A Chicago outbreak infected over 60 people. In 2019, cases hit a nearly 30-year high. Before vaccines, measles killed about 2.6 million people worldwide each year.
How Can Individuals Protect Themselves from Measles?
The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. It is safe and highly effective. A full dose series prevents 97% of measles cases. Even one dose is 93% effective.
“The measles vaccine is a so-called ‘live-attenuated’ virus or weakened version of the actual measles virus,” said Dr. Fennelly. “That engenders robust immunity against the virus without causing disease.”
The CDC recommends the first MMR shot at 12 to 15 months old. The second dose should be given between four and six years old. Public schools require the vaccine for kindergarten entry.
Communities with vaccination rates above 95% have herd immunity. This protects people who cannot get vaccinated. Since the pandemic, childhood vaccination rates have dropped. Many parents now claim religious or personal exemptions.
“A common misconception about the MMR vaccine, that regrettably prevents people from giving it to their child, is that the vaccine causes autism,” said Dr. Fennelly. “However, there is no causal relationship between measles vaccination and autism. Period.”
“The 1998 research paper that led to this misconception was subsequently found to be fraudulent and was retracted,” he added.
Last year, over 125,000 new kindergarteners missed at least one required vaccine. The U.S. has failed to reach 95% coverage for four years in a row.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. However, complications like pneumonia and ear infections can be treated with antibiotics. At home, treatment includes rest, hydration, and fever-reducing medicine.
Dr. Fennelly recommends using prescribed vitamin A doses to help protect against severe measles illness. “Vitamin A doses prescribed by health professionals to treat children with measles in the United States are much higher than routine supplemental doses recommended for all children,” he said. “Families should ask their pediatrician or family physician for guidance on the role of vitamin A supplements in treating measles.”
Robert F. Kennedy, the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, has questioned vaccine safety. During his confirmation hearing, he said, “I am pro-safety,” calling for more studies. He has also propagated the previously debunked claims linking the MMR vaccine to autism.
Conclusion
Measles is spreading in Texas and New Mexico, with cases rising fast. Low vaccination rates have made outbreaks more common and dangerous. Experts urge parents to vaccinate their children to prevent severe illness and death.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
