Texas Faces Measles Outbreak with Fatal Consequence as Cases Surge

ABILENE, Texas — A measles outbreak in Texas has escalated quickly, with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reporting 146 confirmed cases since late January 2025, primarily affecting the South Plains region. Tragically, the outbreak has resulted in the death of a school-aged child, marking the first measles-related fatality in the United States in over a decade.

Vaccines play a critical role not only in protecting individual children from measles but also in building community immunity to safeguard those unable to be vaccinated due to medical conditions. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through infectious droplets from an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or breath, with early symptoms including high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic body rash. Most cases are mild; however, complications can be severe, leading to pneumonia, blindness, or encephalitis.

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s, virtually every child in the United States contracted measles. During the years between 1953 and 1962, the average case fatality rate was one in 1,205. Currently, children account for the bulk of the cases, with 116 out of 146 cases reported among individuals under 18 years of age. The DSHS has identified that 79 of the confirmed cases are among individuals who did not receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while the vaccination status of 62 cases remains uncertain. At least five confirmed cases involved individuals who received the MMR vaccine.

In response to this outbreak, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has instructed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collaborate closely with Texas health authorities to provide comprehensive support. As part of HHS’ response, assistance will include vaccines, laboratory support, and technical advisories. The CDC is in ongoing communication with Texas health officials, ensuring a well-coordinated effort to contain the outbreak.

In a January statement, Secretary Kennedy communicated with Texas health officials, including Governor Greg Abbott, offering additional support to manage the outbreak. Following a meeting, he reached out to the grieving parents of the deceased child to express condolences. Kennedy stated, “We have a shared responsibility to protect public health.” He emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information regarding vaccine safety and efficacy and engaging communities to address concerns and improve vaccine access.

Healthcare providers on the front lines in Texas are working tirelessly to treat patients affected by the outbreak, focusing on prevention and management of the virus. Vital resources are being provided to these professionals to enable them to continue their critical work effectively. This outbreak serves as a reminder for communities to uphold public health standards and emphasize vaccination.

Despite the challenges posed by the measles outbreak, the commitment to safeguarding public health continues. Kennedy underscored the nation’s responsibility to understand the serious implications of vaccination, stating that vaccines contribute to community immunity, which helps protect those unable to receive vaccinations for medical reasons. He noted that parents play a key role in ensuring their children’s health and should seek guidance from healthcare providers regarding the MMR vaccine.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the recent rise in cases highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates. The CDC recommends that over 90% of the population become vaccinated to establish herd immunity. Local health departments in areas impacted by this outbreak are alerting communities to the significance of immunization as a preventive measure.

Currently, 164 measles cases have been reported across nine states, including Texas, California, New Mexico, and Georgia. In western Texas, approximately 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated which is a concerning statistic as health officials strive to prevent further spread of the virus.