A measles outbreak in West Texas has surpassed 120 confirmed cases and resulted in the first death from the illness in the United States in a decade. The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that a school-aged child, who was unvaccinated, died after being hospitalized in Lubbock. This is the first reported measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of February 2025, at least 124 people across nine counties in West Texas have been infected. The majority of those affected—101 people—are children aged 17 or younger. Almost all of the cases have involved unvaccinated individuals. The outbreak has been heavily concentrated in Gaines County, a rural area with a significant religious community that has a history of vaccine hesitancy.
A Close-Knit, Under-Vaccinated Community at the Center
The outbreak is primarily centered around a Mennonite community in Gaines County, where vaccine exemptions based on religious beliefs are common. In this close-knit community, almost 14% of schoolchildren have been granted an exemption from vaccines, which Texas law allows for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions. Many children in this community are also home-schooled, further contributing to the spread of the disease.
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Public health experts have warned that such outbreaks are more likely in under-vaccinated populations. The lack of vaccination in these communities leaves individuals vulnerable to infectious diseases like measles, which can spread rapidly in settings where people are in close contact.
Peter Hotez, director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Baylor University, expressed his concern over the outbreak’s potential to worsen. “It’s a bad illness,” Dr. Hotez stated. “Unfortunately, Texas is the epicenter of it because of our very aggressive anti-vaccine movement.” Hotez predicted that the outbreak would likely accelerate before it is brought under control.
Additional Cases in New Mexico and Other States
The measles outbreak has not been confined to Texas. New Mexico, which borders Texas, has reported additional cases, raising concerns that the disease could spread further. The New Mexico health department issued a warning, emphasizing that measles is highly contagious and that additional cases are expected in the coming weeks.
In addition to Texas and New Mexico, the CDC has reported measles cases in several other states, including Alaska, California, New Jersey, New York City, and Rhode Island. These cases have contributed to a rise in nationwide measles infections, with 285 cases reported in the U.S. in 2024 from 16 outbreaks.
RFK Jr. Downplays Severity of Measles Outbreak
Amid the growing concern over the measles outbreak, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. health secretary, downplayed the severity of the situation during a recent meeting at the White House. Kennedy, a well-known vaccine skeptic, stated, “We are following the measles epidemic every day… Incidentally, there have been four measles outbreaks this year. In this country last year there were 16. So, it’s not unusual. We have measles outbreaks every year.”
Kennedy’s comments have drawn criticism from public health experts, who argue that his statements may contribute to vaccine misinformation. RFK Jr. has been a vocal opponent of vaccines for years, and his views have sparked significant controversy, particularly after he falsely claimed that no vaccine is “safe and effective” in 2023. He has also been widely criticized for promoting debunked theories linking the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine to autism.
In response to Kennedy’s comments, Katherine Wells, the director of public health at the Lubbock Health Department, clarified that there has only been one confirmed measles death in Texas. Wells emphasized that if there were a second fatality, the city would have been informed. Despite these clarifications, Kennedy’s remarks continued to fuel debates over the role of vaccines in public health.
The History of Measles in the U.S. and the Impact of Vaccine Hesitancy
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, largely due to the widespread use of the MMR vaccine. However, in recent years, the disease has made a resurgence as vaccine hesitancy has grown among certain populations. Factors such as misinformation, religious exemptions, and fears about vaccine safety have contributed to a decline in vaccination rates, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.
In 2023, the percentage of children exempted from vaccine requirements in the U.S. rose to 3.3%, a slight increase from 3% the previous year. This rise, though small, translates to approximately 80,000 children not receiving their required vaccines. These children are at higher risk for contracting diseases like measles, which can spread rapidly in under-vaccinated communities.
The U.S. vaccination rate for kindergarteners in 2023 was 92.7%, down from 95% before the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts argue that vaccination rates need to return to pre-pandemic levels to ensure herd immunity, which helps prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles.
Measles in Other Countries
The resurgence of measles in the U.S. is not an isolated phenomenon. In 2024, Australia reported 18 cases of measles, a reminder that vaccine-preventable diseases remain a global concern. According to Australia’s National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard, 92.21% of two-year-olds received the MMR vaccine in the 2024 September quarter, close to the herd immunity threshold of 92-94%.
Measles outbreaks in other countries serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by vaccine hesitancy. Health experts continue to stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of the disease.
Understanding Measles and Its Risks
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. The disease primarily affects the respiratory tract but can also lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
Symptoms of measles include a red, blotchy rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. These symptoms usually appear between seven to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Measles can be fatal, particularly in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the disease to vulnerable populations, such as infants who are too young to be vaccinated and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Conclusion: A Call for Increased Vaccination Efforts
The current measles outbreak in West Texas highlights the ongoing challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. While health officials continue to work to contain the outbreak, the long-term solution lies in increasing vaccination rates and addressing public concerns about vaccine safety.
As public health experts urge communities to vaccinate their children, the recent statements from RFK Jr. underscore the need for clear, evidence-based communication about the importance of vaccines in preventing the spread of deadly diseases like measles.
