Measles cases in Texas and New Mexico have surged to 294, surpassing all reported cases in the US for 2024, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak began in late January in West Texas and has been spreading rapidly.
The majority of cases in both states are among unvaccinated individuals. In Texas, there were 174 cases in Gaines County, with 34 patients hospitalized, while in New Mexico, cases rose from 33 to 35, including two in Eddy County and the rest in Lea County.
The CDC has urged vaccination as the best tool for preventing measles. The Texas state health department reported that 257 of its patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine status.
Despite concerns about the spread of the outbreak, it is unclear whether it will extend beyond Texas and New Mexico. However, experts warn that the situation remains a major concern due to the rising number of cases.
The US has seen only one death from measles in 2015, which was an unvaccinated child in Texas. Another potential death is currently under investigation in New Mexico.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/measles-cases-rise-259-texas-state-health-department-says-2025-03-14