Measles Cases Surge in Texas: Latest Updates and Numbers
Sarah Johnson
March 17, 2025
Brief
Texas faces a growing measles outbreak with 223 confirmed cases, mostly among unvaccinated children. Health officials urge vaccination as hospitalizations and a tragic death highlight severity.
The measles outbreak in Texas continues to gain momentum, with the latest numbers from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) painting a concerning picture. As of Tuesday, March 11, the state has confirmed a total of 223 cases since late January, marking an increase from 198 cases reported just days earlier on March 7.
Out of these cases, 29 patients have required hospitalization, underscoring the severity of the outbreak. Children have been hit hardest, with 98 cases reported among those aged 5-17, followed by 76 cases in young children under the age of 4. Adults have not been spared either, with 38 cases reported among individuals aged 18 and older, while 11 cases remain under investigation for age categorization.
In a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination, only five of the reported cases involved individuals who had received at least one dose of the measles vaccine. Meanwhile, 80 patients were unvaccinated, and 138 had an unknown vaccination status. Tragically, the outbreak has claimed one life—a school-aged child from Lubbock who was unvaccinated.
"Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities," the health department warned.
The ripple effects of measles are extending beyond Texas, with other states reporting cases. On the same day, New Mexico confirmed 33 cases, and Vermont reported its first measles case—a school-aged child in Lamoille County who had recently traveled internationally.
Fox News' senior medical analyst, Dr. Marc Siegel, highlighted the alarming contagiousness of measles, stating, "There is a 90% chance you will get it if you are unvaccinated and step into a room where someone with measles was two hours before."
Health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, continue to emphasize the importance of the two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective way to prevent measles.
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Editor's Comments
The numbers are staggering, but what really jumps out is the overwhelming number of unvaccinated and unknown vaccination cases. It’s like staring straight at a preventable problem that we’re collectively failing to address. And Dr. Siegel’s warning about the 90% chance of infection? That should have us all running for the nearest vaccination clinic—or at least googling vaccination schedules!
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