February 25, 2025
Why It Matters: The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported 124 cases of the measles since late January as of today; cases are in areas of West Texas that border New Mexico. A county near the Texas outbreak in New Mexico has reported nine cases of measles.
- In Texas, 18 patients were hospitalized. Of the total 124 cases reported, five of the cases are vaccinated individuals, while the rest are unvaccinated or their vaccine status is unknown.
- By age range: 39 cases involve children ages 0-4 years; 62 cases are children ages 5-17 years; and 18 cases involve patients 18 and older. Five patients’ ages are unknown.
- In New Mexico, four cases involve patients ages 5-17 years, and five cases are patients 18 and older.
More Context: In 2024, 285 measles cases (16 outbreaks) were reported across the United States, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In 2023, only 59 measles cases (four outbreaks) were reported.
The CDC recommends the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at age 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years. Those concerned about their measles immunity can consult a doctor and see if doing a blood test is an option. The test looks for antibodies in your blood which indicate the level of immunity you have against measles, mumps and rubella.
Read More: Nearly 100 infected with measles amid outbreak in Texas, New Mexico (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Measles Cases and Outbreaks (CDC)
Do you need a measles booster shot? What to know as a U.S. outbreak spreads (CBS News)
Image Credit: janews094 / Adobe Stock
by Kelly Dean, Based in Kentucky.
