Measles Outbreak in West Texas Marks Largest Surge in 30 Years

A measles outbreak in the South Plains region of Texas has infected 124 individuals and claimed the life of 1 pediatric patient, marking the largest outbreak in Texas in 30 years and the first measles death in the United States in over a decade. According to Texas Health and Human Services, 18 patients have been hospitalized due to measles infection, and the majority of cases are in unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak has spread as far as New Mexico, where the state reports a total of 9 cases as of February 25, 2025.^1-3

Pediatric patient receiving MMR vaccine | Image Credit: © maxbelchenko - stock.adobe.com

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne viral infection characterized by symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue, and a notable red rash that covers the skin. These symptoms typically develop about 8 to 12 days following exposure to an infected individual. Measles is incurable and must run its course, which takes about 10 to 14 days.⁴

“There are no antivirals directed towards measles, and the disease can cause serious complications like hospitalization, pneumonia, and encephalitis,” Rachel Britt, PharmD, BCIDP, SIDP, University of Texas Medical Branch, told Pharmacy Times.

The outbreak is largely a product of poorer vaccination rates in the South Plains region of Texas, and health officials stress the importance of vaccination with the MMR vaccine. Mobile vaccine drives have been initiated to fight the spread, and many parents of younger, unvaccinated patients are rushing to vaccinate their children.⁵

“Prevention is key, and vaccination is the best protection against measles. One dose of MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and 2 doses are 97% effective,” explained Britt. “Measles is extremely contagious, and 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated to create herd immunity.”

In 2000, a successful MMR vaccination program led to the near eradication of measles in the United States; however, there have been multiple outbreaks in the 2010s. The 2019 outbreak marked the largest national outbreak since 1992, affecting a total of 1249 individuals, of which 1163 (93%) were associated with the 22 outbreaks across 17 states, 1107 (89%) were patients who were unvaccinated, and 119 (10%) of patients were hospitalized. Cases rose drastically again in 2024 with a total report of 285 cases, of which 40% of patients were hospitalized.⁶

Cases of measles have risen over the years as vaccine hesitancy and public concerns regarding the safety of the MMR vaccine. This is largely a result of a redacted study published by The Lancet in the 1990s claiming that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Despite this being disproven by multiple studies, many Americans remain hesitant to vaccinate themselves or their children as cases of neurodevelopmental disorders rise with no known cause. However, vaccines can also be driven by religious, cultural, and personal beliefs about vaccines.⁷

“Pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care providers and are therefore optimally positioned to provide accurate vaccine information to their patients and the public,” explained Britt. “Brush up on the facts around common vaccine misconceptions and share accurate vaccine resources with patients, like the CHOP Vaccine Education Center or the CDC website. Every patient encounter offers an opportunity to ask about vaccination.”

Officials are working swiftly to control the outbreak but raise concerns over effective contact tracing in the face of a dwindling workforce. Vaccine drives have been initiated to encourage increased rates of vaccination and ease of access to vaccines in the face of the public health threat.⁵

REFERENCES

1. Texas reports first death in measles outbreak. University of Minnesota. February 26, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/texas-reports-first-death-measles-outbreak

2. Measles outbreak – Feb. 25, 2025. Texas Health and Human Services. February 25, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-feb-25-2025

3. 2025 measles outbreak guidance. New Mexico Health. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/mog/

4. Measles. Cleveland Clinic. November 16, 2023. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8584-measles#management-and-treatment

5. As Texas measles outbreak grows, parents are choosing to vaccinate kids. NBC News. February 25, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/texas-measles-outbreak-grows-parents-vaccinate-rcna193637