Measles Outbreak In Texas Has Ended, Health Officials Say

Texas health officials have declared the measles outbreak in West Texas over, marking the end of one of the largest and deadliest outbreaks in decades. The announcement on Monday (August 18) follows more than 42 days without new cases in the affected counties, which indicates that two incubation periods have passed without transmission. The outbreak, which began in late January, resulted in 762 confirmed cases and 99 hospitalizations, primarily affecting unvaccinated children. Tragically, two school-aged children died, marking the first measles-related deaths in the United States since 2015.

Dr. Jennifer Shuford, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, praised the efforts of public health professionals and healthcare providers in containing the outbreak through testing, vaccination, and public awareness campaigns. However, she cautioned that the end of the outbreak does not eliminate the threat of measles, as cases continue to appear in other states and regions, including New Mexico, where the outbreak is still ongoing.

Gaines County, which has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Texas, accounted for more than half of the cases in the outbreak. Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing measles.

Despite the conclusion of the outbreak in Texas, health officials urge vigilance and continued vaccination efforts to prevent future cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1,356 measles cases have been confirmed in the United States in 2025, the highest number since 1992, with most cases occurring among unvaccinated individuals.