Texas faces a growing measles outbreak, and public health experts warn it could spiral into a national crisis unless officials take urgent action. The highly contagious disease once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, has resurfaced with alarming speed—infecting over 270 people in just 50 days.
The outbreak spread from West Texas to the Panhandle, East Texas, and nearby states. Experts warn it could soon affect the nation.
How Did Texas Get Here?
The outbreak has concentrated most cases in rural Gaines County, particularly within the Mennonite community, which has historically maintained low vaccination rates. The outbreak started with two cases in January and spread to 11 counties. Texas reported its first measles-related child death in a decade, while an unvaccinated adult linked to the outbreak died in New Mexico.
Dr. Glenn Fennelly, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Texas Tech University, pointed out the danger of lax vaccination policies: “We are threatening not just our community, but global health stability.”
Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation
Public health officials say vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation and distrust of government, is a significant factor. Myths linking vaccines to autism persist in many communities, fueled further by pandemic-era resistance to health mandates like masks and quarantines.
Lubbock’s public health director, Katherine Wells, noted that many in the region have resisted efforts to increase vaccinations. “This isn’t just religious hesitancy—it’s misinformation that’s taken root in communities.”
Policy and Public Response
Despite Texas laws requiring vaccinations for schoolchildren, loopholes in the form of personal and religious exemptions have grown. Exempt requests have doubled since 2018—from 45,900 to over 93,000 in 2024.
Unfortunately, recent legislation has stripped local authorities of their ability to enforce public health mandates, undermining efforts to address the outbreak. Cities and counties can now only suggest that residents quarantine or stay home without the power to enforce compliance.
Dr. David Lakey, the University of Texas System’s chief medical officer, expressed concern: “Without strong local enforcement tools, we’re relying solely on voluntary cooperation.”
How Other States Responded
New Mexico offers a stark contrast in response effectiveness. State officials began vaccination campaigns when Texas reported its first case.
Since February, nearly 9,000 New Mexicans received MMR shots—almost twice as many as during the same time last year.
Jimmy Masters said New Mexico acted early by setting up clinics, promoting vaccines, and launching Vaxview for quick record checks. The difference is community trust and participation.
Meanwhile, Texas has administered only 350 doses during the same timeframe.
Challenges in Contact Tracing
Contact tracing remains a significant obstacle. Texas’s Rural health departments lack the human resources to track more than 270 cases. In contrast, New Mexico employs lead investigators who oversee comprehensive tracing, testing, and outreach.
Chris Van Deusen said tracing is tough in insular communities where people hesitate to cooperate with health officials.
The National Risk
As travel increases with the changing seasons, health departments nationwide are on high alert. “Measles is going to find unvaccinated pockets anywhere in the U.S.,” said Wells. “We need consistent messaging and national preparedness.”
Dr. Simbo Ige, who helped contain a similar outbreak in Chicago last year, believes education is key. “Parents need to understand the real risks—missing work, kids out of school, and even death. In 2025, no child should die from a preventable disease.”