Measles cases rise to about 320 total in Texas and New Mexico. Here's what you should know
The resurgence of measles in Texas and New Mexico has raised alarms among health officials, with nearly 320 cases reported across both states. Texas has documented 20 new cases recently, bringing its total to 279, predominantly in West Texas, while New Mexico has added three cases, totaling 38. The outbreaks have tragically resulted in the deaths of two unvaccinated individuals, underscoring the disease's severity and the critical need for vaccination. Health experts emphasize that the best prevention method is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, along with possible booster shots for at-risk individuals. The situation is further complicated by two probable cases identified in Oklahoma, associated with the West Texas and New Mexico outbreaks.
As the U. S. grapples with increasing measles cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that outbreaks often stem from international travelers. The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases, and there have already been several clusters in 2025. This situation highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of preventable diseases like measles.