Texas Reports First Measles Death Since 2015 Amid Growing Outbreak
The first measles-related death in the United States since 2015 has been confirmed in western Texas, as a rapidly growing outbreak continues to spread.
Health officials report that a child hospitalized with measles in the South Plains region died overnight. The outbreak, which began in a Mennonite community in January, has now led to at least 124 confirmed cases, with 101 of them occurring in children under 18. Only five cases have been recorded in individuals known to be vaccinated.
Experts warn that measles is among the most contagious diseases in the world. They urge parents to ensure their children are fully immunized and recommend that some adults—particularly those in outbreak areas—consider a booster shot.
Declining Vaccination Rates Raising Concerns
The outbreak in Texas comes amid a concerning decline in childhood vaccination rates nationwide. The CDC reports that the MMR vaccination rate among kindergartners has dropped to 93%, falling below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. In Gaines County, the epicenter of the Texas outbreak, fewer than 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated against measles.
Despite the growing public health concern, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has yet to comment on the outbreak. Kennedy, who has a history of questioning vaccine safety, has put federal vaccine advisory meetings on hold and canceled a government campaign promoting the flu vaccine.
Health Officials Urge Vaccination Amid Risk of Further Spread
With measles spreading among unvaccinated populations, health officials fear that cases may continue to rise, particularly as asymptomatic carriers travel to other areas. In response, they are ramping up efforts to encourage parents to vaccinate their children and advising unvaccinated adults to consider immunization.
The outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by declining vaccination rates—and the potentially deadly consequences of preventable diseases.
Experts Say Texas Measles Outbreak Unlikely to Spread Nationwide, but Concerns Remain
The ongoing measles outbreak in Texas is not expected to spread widely across the United States, but experts warn that it still poses significant risks—especially to unvaccinated communities.
“Measles is now spreading among unvaccinated children, adolescents, and some adults in an under-vaccinated community,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University. He cautioned that infected individuals who are not yet showing symptoms could travel and introduce the virus to other under-vaccinated areas.
Most cases in Texas have been reported among the unvaccinated, where childhood vaccination rates are below 90%, noted Dr. Monica Gandhi of the University of California San Francisco. She expressed concern that the virus could spread if an infected person travels during the early, pre-rash stage of the illness.
Lower Vaccination Rates Increase Risk of Future Outbreaks
Dr. David Cutler of Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California warned that measles cases will likely continue to rise if vaccination rates remain below optimal levels. “We will certainly get more and more measles cases every year,” he said.
Dr. Dean Winslow of Stanford University shared a personal perspective on the disease, recalling his own battle with measles pneumonia as a child in 1957. He also highlighted the historical danger of the virus, recounting how his great-great uncle survived the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, only to die from measles weeks later in camp.
As the Texas outbreak unfolds, health officials stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations from this highly contagious disease.
What to Know About Measles
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will contract the disease. A single infected person can spread measles to more than 10 others.
How Measles Spreads
The virus is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with contaminated surfaces. It can remain active in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, making it highly infectious.
Symptoms and Incubation Period
Symptoms typically appear within 14 days of exposure and may include:
- Widespread skin rash
- High fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Eye irritation
The incubation period for measles is usually 11 to 12 days, but the virus can spread as early as four days before symptoms appear.
Complications
While most people recover from measles, about 30% of cases result in complications, such as:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
Serious complications, though rare, include:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (a rare, fatal brain disorder that can develop years later)
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, but the following interventions can help:
- Receiving the measles vaccine within 72 hours of exposure
- Receiving a dose of immunoglobulin (immune proteins) within six days of exposure
- Taking over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and discomfort
- Drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest
The best protection against measles is vaccination. Health experts strongly recommend that children and adults ensure they are fully immunized to prevent outbreaks and severe complications.
How Dangerous Is Measles?
Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease that can lead to severe complications, hospitalization, and even death.
Recent Outbreaks and Statistics
- In the United States, 285 measles cases were reported in 2024—the highest in five years. About 40% of those infected required hospitalization.
- Globally, more than 10 million cases were reported in 2023, with over 107,000 deaths—most occurring in unvaccinated children under age 5.
- Before the measles vaccine became widely available, the disease caused over 3 million cases annually in the U.S., leading to 48,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths each year.
Misconceptions About Measles
Many people believe measles is a mild childhood illness, but experts warn that this is not the case.
“Measles is a very serious disease,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert. He emphasized that even “uncomplicated” measles can make children severely ill for over a week.
Severe Symptoms and Complications
Measles is far more than just a rash. It can cause:
- High fever (102–103°F or higher)
- Persistent, brassy cough
- Severe conjunctivitis (eye irritation and light sensitivity)
- Runny, congested nose
In severe cases, measles can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death.
With declining vaccination rates, health experts are concerned that outbreaks will become more frequent and severe. The best way to prevent measles and its complications is through vaccination.
Who Should Get a Measles Vaccine?
Measles was declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, but as vaccination rates have declined, cases have been rising. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children and certain adults receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to ensure protection against the disease.
Recommended Vaccination Schedule
- Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine:
- First dose: Between 12–15 months of age
- Second dose: Between 4–6 years of age
Adults and Measles Immunity
- Born before 1957? You are presumed to have natural immunity, as measles was widespread before vaccines were available.
- Born after 1957? You should ensure you have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- Vaccinated before 1968? Some early vaccines were less effective. If you’re unsure about your immunity, consult your doctor.
Who Might Need a Booster?
Most adults who received one or two doses of the vaccine do not need a booster. However, exceptions include:
✔ Healthcare workers
✔ International travelers
✔ People living in outbreak-prone areas
Should Parents Be Concerned?
Experts warn that declining vaccination rates are opening the door for new outbreaks. While some hesitant parents may resist vaccination, regaining trust in the medical community is key to increasing immunization rates.
If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a measles booster for added protection—especially if you live in or near outbreak areas.
Key Takeaways
- A measles-related death has been reported in western Texas, where 124 cases have emerged in a community with low vaccination rates.
- While the outbreak is unlikely to spread nationwide, experts warn that the virus could reach other under-vaccinated communities as infected individuals travel.
- Children should be vaccinated, and adults who are unvaccinated or may have received a less effective early vaccine should consider getting a booster for protection.
