[A person holding a baby’s hand. Photo Credit to Unsplash]

Following the start of the year 2025, Texas has been faced with a sudden rising outbreak of measles — a development that caught health officials by surprise.

Texas Health and Human Services data indicates that by late January of 2025, 309 cases were identified across several Texas counties.

These rising numbers of cases in 2025 have already surpassed the total number of cases in 2024, which amounted to 285 cases based on reports from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak originated in Gaines County, before spreading to West Texas and parts of New Mexico.

The disease spread across Texas rapidly in weeks, particularly among unvaccinated youth.

The high number of cases and their rapid growth rate makes the disease a threat to nearby states and communities.

This not only jeopardizes the health of infected patients, but also increases risks of economic impacts similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Measles has been considered eliminated since the year 2000, meaning it has not been continuously spreading — this increases the gravity of the situation, as a sudden outbreak could result in rapid spread and higher fatality rates.

While the first documented case of measles dates back to the 7th century AD, with cases continuing through modern day, the disease remains a serious health concern.

Measles is known to be one of the most contagious viruses, spreading to nine out of ten people when exposed without immunity.

Additionally, the virus typically remains in the air for about two hours after exposure.

Measles causes red rashes and skin irritation along with other common symptoms such as cough, congestion, and fever.

Health officials in Europe and Central Asia urge for action to help prevent the danger of a worldwide spread, especially in undervaccinated communities.

Public health experts recommend communities maintain at least a 95% vaccination rate in order to prevent outbreaks, a recommendation that is not followed in the majority of the U.S.

In the previous year, nearly 93% of kindergartners in the U.S. had not received the recommended two doses of vaccination, placing them at a much higher risk of exposure than those who are vaccinated.

Vaccination for children is especially crucial because measles is much more fatal for younger individuals due to higher risk of respiratory issues and other severe impacts on the still growing body. 

According to the CDC, past rates of cases show that measles has a death rate of around 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children.

In order to prevent the recurrence of this tragic rate, officials encourage citizens — especially those near the area of outbreak — to get vaccinations for themselves and their children.

This newfound outbreak is rapid and spreading, increasing actively within the first few months of 2025.

The disease must be prevented with both the efforts of the people and the vaccinations that can put an end to its continued spread.