A growing measles outbreak that began in Texas has now surged past 450 reported cases across multiple U.S. states, prompting serious concern among health officials and raising fears of international transmission. By Friday, March 28, 2025, at least 453 cases had been confirmed, with most concentrated in Texas—but signs point to wider spread.
The outbreak began in late January in West Texas, particularly in Gaines County, where vaccination rates are low. Texas accounts for nearly 400 cases, while New Mexico has reported 44 and Oklahoma nine, including two suspected but unconfirmed. Health experts warn that the real number may be much higher due to underreporting. “It’s a bad undercount,” one doctor told the BBC.
Children are bearing the brunt of the outbreak. 139 cases are in kids under 4, while 177 are between ages 5 and 17. The majority were not vaccinated, despite the fact that two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection. So far, 43 people have been hospitalized, and one unvaccinated child in Texas has died. A second possible death is under investigation in New Mexico.
“Measles doesn’t care about borders,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University. “People travel, and it spreads.” His warning came as the World Health Organization (WHO) flagged international transmission, confirming that cases in Mexico are linked to the Texas outbreak.
The virus has also spread to Kansas, where 23 cases have been confirmed—21 in unvaccinated individuals, mostly children. Health officials there traced the cases to the Texas outbreak. Six counties in southwest Kansas have been affected. Pennsylvania recorded a mild case in a vaccinated adult who had recently traveled to Texas, further demonstrating how far and fast measles can move.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, followed by a body-wide rash. Though often survivable, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who catch it require hospitalization—and some die. Texas confirmed its first measles death in years.
In Gaines County, local officials say vaccine hesitancy contributed to the outbreak. The area includes Mennonite communities, where many choose not to vaccinate for personal or religious reasons. “Sparks turn to fires when too many skip it,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert from Philadelphia.
Other states are on alert. Ohio reported 10 cases this week, all in unvaccinated individuals. Officials there say there’s no confirmed connection to Texas yet—but they’re watching closely.
Health teams are racing to contain the outbreak. Texas has opened emergency vaccination clinics, but progress is slow. New Mexico is pushing hard to raise immunization rates, and the CDC is monitoring the spread nationwide.
“It could keep growing,” warned Dr. Chad Smelser of New Mexico’s health department. “Too many aren’t protected.” With people constantly on the move—by car, plane, or bus—public health officials worry that the outbreak will leap into new areas or even new countries.
For now, the advice is clear: get vaccinated. Two doses are recommended—one at 12 months, the second at 4 years. Adults unsure of their immunity may need a booster. As Dr. Offit put it, “Measles doesn’t wait, and neither should we.”