A measles outbreak in Texas that affected over 762 people has ended, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The agency announced on Monday that it has been more than 42 days since a new case was reported, marking the end of the outbreak.
The outbreak, which started in January, contributed to the worst year for measles cases in the US in over 30 years. As of August 5, there were 1,356 confirmed cases nationwide, with Texas accounting for over two-thirds of those cases. Two children in Texas died from the virus due to low vaccination rates.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can weaken the immune system and lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and neurological damage. The best way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine, which is 93% effective against the disease with one dose and 97% effective with two doses.
The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases, and a state’s measles elimination status depends on not having ongoing domestic spread of the disease for at least 12 months. The US achieved this status in 2000 but lost it in 2019 due to declining vaccination rates.
Measles cases are still being reported elsewhere in the country, with 40 other states reporting cases and a total of 32 outbreaks in 2025. Public health researchers warn that outbreaks are likely if vaccination rates continue to decline, as a recent study suggests measles could reestablish itself and become endemic again within the next two decades.
As the US continues to struggle with low vaccination rates, the ongoing outbreaks put the country’s measles elimination status at risk. The designation depends on maintaining high vaccination levels and preventing further outbreaks.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/the-west-texas-measles-outbreak-has-ended