Texas has an ongoing measles outbreak. Here’s everything you need to know about the virus (2025)

Texas’ ongoing measles outbreak is now past 220 confirmed cases, the most the state has seen in any year since 1992. There are also additional confirmed cases in New Mexico, and potential exposures in San Antonio and San Marcos.

Measles has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000. But as vaccination rates have dipped nationwide, states across the country have seen outbreaks.

The virus spreads mostly among unvaccinated people.

With the virus continuing to spread in West Texas and across the New Mexico border, here’s everything you need to know about measles symptoms, spread and vaccinations.

What are the measles symptoms?

The classic measles symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.

While the respiratory symptoms of measles may mimic other viruses, the rash is a telltale sign.

Measles can also lead to other complications, including pneumonia, which could require hospitalization.

Complications are more likely in young children and in pregnant women. For pregnant women, the measles can lead to a premature birth or a low birth weight.

Is measles deadly?

Measles can cause severe illness and complications in some people, particularly in unvaccinated children and pregnant women. Most children, including unvaccinated children, will not die if they catch the measles.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 1 in 1,000 and 3 in 1,000 children who catch the measles will die from complications.

In the decade before the measles vaccine was introduced, an estimated 3 to 4 million people were infected with the virus each year and an estimated 400 to 500 people died each year, according to the CDC.

How does the measles spread?

The measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world.

It can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after a person has left, which means that a person can catch the measles without ever being in the same room as an infected person.

The virus spreads mainly through unvaccinated people, who have an incredibly high chance of contracting the virus if they’re exposed to it.

For a community to be protected against an outbreak, 95% of people must be vaccinated.

People who are vaccinated, or who have had the measles before, are unlikely to catch the virus ― even if they come into contact with someone who’s sick.

Why is there an outbreak right now?

The measles outbreak in Texas started in Gaines County, near the New Mexico border. Health officials believe it has spread rapidly because of low vaccination rates in the community.

Health experts say that dipping childhood vaccination rates nationwide, which dipped lower during the COVID-19 pandemic, are making communities more vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Can I get the measles if I’m vaccinated?

The measles vaccine, typically administered in a combination with mumps and rubella vaccinations, provides strong protection against the virus.

Data shows that the two-shot regimen is 97% effective against the measles.

That means that a small percentage of people may still contract the measles even after they’ve been vaccinated, although their symptoms are likely to be milder.

Do I need to get a booster?

The measles vaccine offers long-term protection against the virus, including into adulthood. For most people, the childhood vaccine will protect them against the measles for their entire life, according to the CDC.

There are some people who were vaccinated in the 1960s who might need to be revaccinated. According to the CDC, some people who were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 may have received an ineffective version of the vaccine.

For people who are not vaccinated, a previous measles infection also triggers long-lasting protection from reinfection. That’s why the CDC also generally considers anyone born before 1957 to be protected from the measles.

Who can get the vaccine?

The measles vaccine has been shown to be safe for nearly everyone, and the CDC recommends childhood vaccination of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine beginning at 12 months old.

For babies who are traveling internationally, the CDC also recommends a single dose at six months old. Older children and adults can also receive the vaccination if they were not vaccinated as babies.

If you’ve been exposed to measles and you are not vaccinated, you can still get vaccinated. The vaccination can still offer some protection if you are vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure.

There are a few groups of people who are not advised to be vaccinated. The CDC recommends not receiving the MMR vaccine for people who are allergic to any portion of the vaccine and people who have or may have a severely compromised immune system.

The CDC also recommends waiting to get vaccinated if you’re sick, recently received a blood transfusion or are pregnant.

How do I protect myself and my family?

Health experts say vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the measles. Vaccination before exposure, or within 72 hours of exposure, can protect you from the virus.

For Gaines County residents, the South Plains Public Health District in Seminole is offering vaccination. Some other health authorities have also offered vaccination for unvaccinated residents.

Regardless of where you live, you can also contact your doctor or pharmacy to ask about vaccination.