A measles outbreak in Texas has raised concerns among new parents, particularly in Lubbock, where the disease has spread to 53 confirmed cases. The outbreak, which began in January, is now the largest single outbreak since the US declared the disease eliminated 25 years ago.
Measles can be a potentially deadly infection, with 20% of kids ending up being hospitalized. However, new parents are taking precautions due to growing vaccine skepticism and misinformation about the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Some parents have reverted to COVID-era precautions, such as limiting contact with people outside the home and avoiding crowded places.
The situation is complicated by the fact that babies can’t receive the MMR vaccine until they are six months old due to maternal antibodies that may affect its effectiveness. Public health officials emphasize that two doses of the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles.
Texas’ infectious disease expert, Dr. Peter Hotez, says the situation is part of the medical freedom movement and that vaccines have always been a team effort. He warns that if this outbreak goes on for months, eventually the US may lose its measles elimination status.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported 7,107 babies receiving a dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine early, with more cases expected since the data only includes children whose parents opted into submitting their information. A recent study found that exemption rates have increased nationwide, with kindergartners in the US exempted from at least one vaccine being up to 90%.
Source: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/22/texas-lubbock-measles-parents