Texas and New Mexico reported an additional 28 measles cases in the past five days, bringing the total number of infections to 256 since the outbreak began in late January 2025.
The outbreak, which originated in West Texas, has resulted in the first U.S. measles deaths in a decade and poses a significant challenge for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic.
As of March 11, Texas has reported 223 cases, an increase from its previous 198 on March 7, with hospitalizations increasing to 29 from 23.
Gaines County, the epicenter of the outbreak, saw infections rise to 156 from 137. In New Mexico, cases increased from 30 to 33, including the first reported case in Eddy County.
First Measles Death Reported in New Mexico
Last week, New Mexico confirmed its first measles-related death involving an unvaccinated adult. Medical examiners are still investigating the case, marking a grim milestone in the ongoing outbreak. The death underscores the severity of the disease, particularly among unvaccinated individuals.
Measles Outbreak Associated With International Travel
The Los Angeles County health department reported its first measles case of the year in a resident who recently traveled to Taiwan.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles cases in the U.S. often originate from unvaccinated international travelers, as the disease remains prevalent in many countries.
Despite the outbreak, the CDC maintains that the risk of widespread measles in the U.S. is low due to robust immunization programs, effective surveillance, and the country’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies.
Importance of MMR Vaccine in Preventing Measles
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective tool for preventing measles, according to the CDC. Health departments in Texas and New Mexico have reported that 80 patients in Texas and 27 in New Mexico were unvaccinated, emphasizing the critical role of vaccination in controlling the outbreak.
Meanwhile, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has stressed that vaccination remains a personal choice — astance that drawn criticism from disease experts, who argue that his promotion of alternative treatments, such as vitamin A, lacks sufficient scientific evidence.
Why It Matters
The measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico highlights the importance of vaccination and the risks posed by vaccine anxiety/fear. The rapid surge in cases has now put additional pressure on local health systems and raised concerns about the potential for further spread and to curb it.
Public health officials have now called out communities to ensure high vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, including children and immunocompromised individuals.
