If you are worried about recent reports of measles exposures in the state of Texas, you are not alone.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains and Panhandle regions of the state. At this time, 309 cases have been identified since late January. Forty of the patients have been hospitalized. There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions.
Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak.
Here is what you should know about the virus as it makes unfortunate rounds, already reaching a total of 15 jurisdictions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.
As of March 13, 2025, 301 confirmed measles cases were reported in the following areas: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
The CDC says there have been three outbreaks (defined as three or more related cases) reported in 2025, and 93% of cases (280 of 301) are outbreak-associated. To compare, 16 outbreaks were reported during 2024 and 69% of cases (198 of 285) were outbreak-associated.
Common symptoms of measles include:
- High fever (as high as 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin
- Rash three to five days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body
According to DSHS, measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if a two-dose coverage of the vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community.
Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. DSHS says it is important to ensure people are up to date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and those around them.
- Review your immunization and medical records to check if you are protected against measles. Those who have not had measles, or the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine may not be protected and should consult a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.
- Contact your healthcare provider if they are pregnant, have an infant, or have a weakened immune system, regardless of your vaccination history.
- Monitor for symptoms such as fever or an unexplained rash from four to 21 days after exposure.
- If you have any symptoms, you are urged to take the following actions:
- Stay home
- Avoid school, work, and large gatherings
- Call a healthcare provider right away
- Do not enter a healthcare facility without first notifying them about your measles exposure and symptoms so you do not expose other patients.
If you think you may have been exposed or are showing symptoms, you are urged to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
