A measles outbreak has affected nearly 100 people in Texas and New Mexico, according to state health officials. The South Plains region of Texas has been experiencing an outbreak since late January, with 90 cases reported this week.
Vaccination rates in the region are significantly below federal targets. Most cases have been concentrated in Gaines County, where only five out of 90 patients were vaccinated against measles. In contrast, New Mexico’s Lea County reported nine cases, all of which were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak and expand vaccination clinics. Free walk-in vaccinations are being offered in affected areas.
Measles outbreaks have been emerging globally, including in the US. The disease has already spread to over 30 states in 2024, with 285 total cases reported nationwide. Experts warn that low vaccination rates can lead to severe illness or even death, especially for unvaccinated individuals.
This outbreak comes as concerns grow about declining national vaccination rates and the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, as the nation’s health secretary. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 95% of people in a community must be vaccinated to achieve immunity.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/us/texas-measles-outbreak.html