The measles outbreak in western Texas has grown to 90 cases. Sixteen of those infected have been hospitalized. The highly contagious virus has spread rapidly, due to the high concentration of people unvaccinated against measles who live in the area. Just a few days ago, the number of confirmed cases was 58. The measles outbreak is now officially the largest to hit the state in over three decades.
New Mexico’s Department of Health confirmed 9 infections in Lea County, New Mexico, which borders the affected area of Texas. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans.
Declining vaccination rates have contributed to an increase in outbreaks nationwide in recent years. In 2025, Georgia has also experienced an outbreak. New Jersey, New York and Alaska also reported cases, but none of these states reached “outbreak status”, defined by the CDC as a cluster of 3 or more cases.
Measles is a highly contagious illness. A single infected person can spread the virus to 9 out of 10 people who don’t have strong immunity to the virus. Receiving the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing infection.
