Texas measles outbreak: The measles outbreak that began in West Texas in late January has officially ended, state health officials announced, after more than six weeks had passed since the last reported case.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the outbreak sickened 762 people across 37 counties, led to 99 hospitalisations, and caused the deaths of two unvaccinated schoolchildren. The last confirmed outbreak-related case developed a rash on July 1.
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Public health officials stressed that while the outbreak is over, the threat of measles remains. “The end of this outbreak does not mean the threat of measles is over. With ongoing outbreaks in North America and around the world, additional cases are likely in Texas this year,” the DSHS said in a statement.
The outbreak made Texas the epicentre of measles in the United States for several months, with infections spreading primarily among close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite communities in Gaines County. It also coincided with outbreaks in Mexico and Canada, underscoring the cross-border spread of the highly contagious virus.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,356 confirmed measles cases this year as of August 5 – the largest US outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. At least 19 states have recorded outbreaks in 2025, alongside major clusters in Canada and Mexico.
Despite challenges, state health leaders credited vaccination campaigns, expanded testing, and aggressive monitoring with bringing the outbreak under control. “I want to highlight the tireless work of public health professionals across the state who helped contain one of the most contagious viruses,” said DSHS Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Shuford.
Measles, which spreads through coughing and sneezing, typically causes fever, cough, and a characteristic rash but can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, or death. It is preventable with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which remains a requirement for most children before entering school.
(Source: Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/measles-vaccine-outbreak-texas-mmr-0744a165cfb354022092a1f158c698b0)
