Measles Case in Texas Surges as US Faces Largest Outbreak Since 1990
The number of reported measles cases in the US has climbed to its highest level in 33 years, with nearly 1,300 confirmed infections as of Friday, according to data released by Johns Hopkins University.
This sharp increase highlights an ongoing outbreak of the highly contagious and vaccine-preventable disease, which had once been declared eliminated in the United States.
To date, measles cases have been confirmed in 38 states, including the District of Columbia. At least three fatalities have been recorded, while 155 individuals required hospital care.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an overwhelming 92% of these infections involved individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remained unknown.
ALSO READ : Bird Flu 2025: Is Bird Flu a Serious Threat to Humans in 2025?
Measles Case in Texas . The most affected state is Texas, with CDC data confirming over 700 reported cases. Other states such as Kansas and New Mexico have also documented dozens of infections. The growing measles case in Texas is particularly concerning as officials identify low vaccination rates in certain communities, including Mennonite groups that avoid modern healthcare.
This surge unfolds amid an increase in anti-vaccine sentiments in the US and worldwide. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who had previously shared misleading information about childhood vaccines and downplayed the seriousness of the outbreak, later acknowledged the necessity of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In a post on X, he affirmed it as “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”
A measles patient undergoes care at a Texas medical facility amid the ongoing outbreak.
Measles Case in Texas ; The US last recorded such high measles figures in 1990, with nearly 28,000 cases. By the year 2000, widespread vaccination and swift outbreak management led to the disease’s elimination within the country, with reported infections dropping to under 90 annually.
RECOMMENDED POST :New COVID Variants in 2025: What You Should Know Now
However, infection rates began rising modestly in 2014 and notably in 2019 when 1,274 confirmed cases surfaced. This year, that number has already been surpassed, with 1,277 measles cases now documented nationwide.
Public health experts have warned that the United States risks losing its measles elimination status should the current spread persist for over a year. In response, vaccination efforts have intensified. Between January 1 and March 16, Texas administered at least 173,000 MMR doses, compared to 158,000 during the same period last year, according to state health data.
The MMR vaccine remains the most reliable defense against this dangerous virus, known to cause severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. The vaccine is 97% effective and also protects against mumps and rubella.
ALSO READ : The Early Signs of Diabetes You Should Never Ignore
Other nations are grappling with similar outbreaks. The United Kingdom reported its highest number of confirmed measles cases since 2012 last year, with nearly 3,000 infections. In 2025 alone, 529 cases have already been documented in England.
Canada too has seen a spike, with more than 3,000 cases reported this year, primarily in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta.
