Measles Cases Surge in US, Urging Vaccination Efforts Amid Outbreaks

LUBBOCK, Texas — At least 378 cases of measles have been confirmed across the United States in 2025, with many cases reported in areas affected by a recent outbreak. Public health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination in halting the spread of this highly contagious disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the first dose administered between 12 to 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years. According to the CDC, one dose is 93% effective, while two doses increase effectiveness to 97%.

In western Texas, 327 cases of measles have been reported, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Of that total, only two cases involved individuals who were fully vaccinated. Health officials continue to stress the importance of getting vaccinated as Texas faces a considerable rise in cases.

As of March 16, Texas has administered at least 173,362 doses of the MMR vaccine, a notable increase compared to the same period in previous years. However, DSHS has noted that without a statewide requirement for vaccination reporting, these figures may not provide a complete picture.

Katherine Wells, director of public health for the city of Lubbock, stated, “We’re 75 miles east of the actual outbreak, but we’re seeing an increase in the number of vaccinations that we’re giving in our community.” Over the last four weeks, Lubbock’s health department has operated a walk-in clinic specifically for MMR vaccines, administering over 300 doses.

Health officials are also taking measures to protect infants under 6 months old, who are too young to receive the vaccine. Exposure to the virus has prompted the administration of immunoglobulin shots, which contain antibodies acting as post-exposure prophylaxis.

The vaccinations are offered at no cost, and officials are utilizing social media and local news to spread awareness about available vaccines. Wells remarked that many parents are responding to the outbreak by bringing their children in for vaccinations, having previously delayed due to the absence of measles cases. “Parents get busy, and it’s sometimes hard to get your four-year-old into the doctor’s office,” she said.

The concern extends beyond Texas, as New Mexico has reported 43 measles cases primarily in Lea County, which borders western Texas. Health officials speculate about a possible connection between the cases in the two states, albeit without confirmation. Between Feb. 1 and March 24, the New Mexico Department of Health reported administering over 13,100 doses of the MMR vaccine, doubling the number of doses given during the same timeframe in 2024.

“We’re encouraged by the number of people getting vaccinated, but we’re not taking it for granted,” said Robert Nott, communications director for the New Mexico Department of Health. The CDC indicates that measles is exceptionally contagious, capable of infecting up to 18 people from a single patient, and can remain airborne on surfaces for up to two hours.

In light of the outbreak, Wells has predicted that it may take up to a year to regain control over the situation. “Our number of cases are continuing to increase daily,” she stated during a press briefing. “There are still cases that are unreported or under-reported because people aren’t seeking testing. We’re still focused on the growth side of this outbreak. It will take a significant number of vaccines and widespread identification of cases to manage this effectively.”

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, and health officials are urging comprehensive vaccination efforts to safeguard communities against future outbreaks. As vaccination rates have decreased in some regions, concerns mount about the possibility of even larger outbreaks if public complacency continues.