The US is experiencing its second-worst measles outbreak in decades, with over 700 cases reported across 25 states. Texas has seen the largest number of cases, followed by New Mexico and Kansas. A senior scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributed the growing outbreak to a pullback of pandemic funding from states, which has limited the agency’s ability to provide support.
The CDC had initially deployed 15 staff members to Texas in March but has since laid off many due to budget cuts. The agency is now sending an additional team to help with the response. Genetic sequencing suggests that the outbreak is linked to undervaccinated communities in the Southwest, including a local Mennonite community in West Texas.
Three deaths have been reported in this outbreak, two of which were unvaccinated school-age children in Texas. The CDC has provided infection prevention control systems to seven hospitals and reviewed school infection control strategies. However, experts warn that many cases are likely going unreported due to under-vaccination and lack of testing.
The outbreak is centered around close-knit communities with low vaccine coverage, where transmission is occurring. The CDC is working with local health departments and international partners to share updates and expand testing for wastewater surveillance.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/04/16/texas-measles-response-funding-cuts