Measles outbreak worsens—what experts say needs to happen next
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A fast-spreading measles outbreak has health officials on high alert as more cases continue to emerge.
What started in a small community has now expanded to other areas, with experts warning that low vaccination rates are fueling its spread.
With no signs of slowing down, concerns are mounting over how far this outbreak could go.
Currently, there are 124 people infected as the outbreak "still has a lot of energy and steam behind it," said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development.
More than 130 people in rural Texas and New Mexico have contracted measles, marking the largest outbreak in the US in six years.
Health officials warn that the situation is far from under control, as new cases continue to emerge, and the outbreak shows no signs of slowing.
What started in a close-knit Mennonite community has since spread to other under-vaccinated areas, crossing state lines and putting more people at risk.
According to experts, communities with low immunization rates remain highly susceptible to the virus.
$280,000 was stolen from a man's retirement account. Source: CBS News / YouTube
The outbreak was first identified in Gaines County, Texas, where several unvaccinated children tested positive for measles.
While the initial source of exposure remains unknown, there is currently no indication that early cases were linked to international travel, said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for Texas' health department.
As of Tuesday, Texas officials confirmed 124 infections, including 18 hospitalizations.
New Mexico has also reported 9 cases, which health officials believe are connected to the Texas outbreak.
Adding to concerns, a contagious individual from Gaines County traveled nearly 400 miles away, visiting multiple locations in and around San Antonio, including two public universities, tourist spots along the River Walk, and a Buc-ee’s along Interstate 35.
State officials warn that more people may have been exposed as a result of this travel.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, requiring a community vaccination rate of at least 95% to prevent widespread outbreaks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that adults who were vaccinated twice as children typically do not need additional protection.
Six other states, including Alaska and New York, have reported isolated measles cases, according to CDC data.
In 2019, an outbreak among unvaccinated Orthodox Jewish communities in New York saw similar rapid transmission.
Last year, the US recorded 285 cases, the highest number since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Chicago migrant shelter outbreak in 2023 infected 57 people.
Though measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, vaccination rates have declined due to increasing hesitancy and skepticism, leading to a resurgence of outbreaks.
Most US cases originate from international travelers who spread the virus among unvaccinated Americans.
Source: CBS Morning / YouTube
In Gaines County, the epicenter of the Texas outbreak, state health officials have reported 80 cases.
The rural area, known for its peanut, cotton, oil, and gas production, has one of the lowest immunization rates in the state.
State data shows that fewer than 82% of kindergartners in Gaines County are vaccinated against measles.
In the Loop Independent School District, which has about 150 students, only 46% of kindergartners are vaccinated.
Two weeks ago, a family from Gaines County traveled 60 miles to see a pediatric specialist in Lubbock.
During the visit, clinic staff learned that the child had measles the previous week and was not vaccinated.
Initially, medical staff worried the child was contagious, but the rash had faded four days prior, meaning he was no longer infectious.
The CDC warns that measles is so contagious it can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. One contagious individual can infect up to 18 others.
A language barrier has further complicated containment efforts. Many residents in the affected communities primarily speak a German dialect used by the Mennonite community or a mix of German and Spanish.
In a Mennonite newspaper dated January 27, three days before Texas officials confirmed cases in Gaines County, locals were already discussing the outbreak.
Across the border in New Mexico, nine cases have been confirmed in Lea County. Unlike Texas, New Mexico officials say religious affiliation is not a factor in their outbreak.
Measles can spread before symptoms even appear, making it highly contagious. Early signs resemble respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and conjunctivitis (eye redness). Small white bumps appear inside the mouth two to three days after the onset of symptoms.
A rash—the signature sign of measles—begins at the head and spreads down to the toes.
An infected person is contagious four days before and after the rash appears, said Dr. Ari Brown, a pediatrician in Austin.
Measles can cause serious complications, including:
As cases continue to rise, health officials stress the importance of widespread vaccination to curb the outbreak before it spreads even further.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the measles outbreak? What steps are you taking to ensure your family's safety? Share your stories and questions in the comments below. Your insights could help others in our community stay healthy and vigilant.
Read more: Measles on the move: How the Texas outbreak could affect your state next—stay informed!
What started in a small community has now expanded to other areas, with experts warning that low vaccination rates are fueling its spread.
With no signs of slowing down, concerns are mounting over how far this outbreak could go.
Currently, there are 124 people infected as the outbreak "still has a lot of energy and steam behind it," said Dr. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development.
More than 130 people in rural Texas and New Mexico have contracted measles, marking the largest outbreak in the US in six years.
Health officials warn that the situation is far from under control, as new cases continue to emerge, and the outbreak shows no signs of slowing.
What started in a close-knit Mennonite community has since spread to other under-vaccinated areas, crossing state lines and putting more people at risk.
According to experts, communities with low immunization rates remain highly susceptible to the virus.
$280,000 was stolen from a man's retirement account. Source: CBS News / YouTube
The outbreak was first identified in Gaines County, Texas, where several unvaccinated children tested positive for measles.
While the initial source of exposure remains unknown, there is currently no indication that early cases were linked to international travel, said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for Texas' health department.
As of Tuesday, Texas officials confirmed 124 infections, including 18 hospitalizations.
New Mexico has also reported 9 cases, which health officials believe are connected to the Texas outbreak.
Adding to concerns, a contagious individual from Gaines County traveled nearly 400 miles away, visiting multiple locations in and around San Antonio, including two public universities, tourist spots along the River Walk, and a Buc-ee’s along Interstate 35.
State officials warn that more people may have been exposed as a result of this travel.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, requiring a community vaccination rate of at least 95% to prevent widespread outbreaks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that adults who were vaccinated twice as children typically do not need additional protection.
Six other states, including Alaska and New York, have reported isolated measles cases, according to CDC data.
In 2019, an outbreak among unvaccinated Orthodox Jewish communities in New York saw similar rapid transmission.
Last year, the US recorded 285 cases, the highest number since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Chicago migrant shelter outbreak in 2023 infected 57 people.
Though measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, vaccination rates have declined due to increasing hesitancy and skepticism, leading to a resurgence of outbreaks.
Most US cases originate from international travelers who spread the virus among unvaccinated Americans.
Source: CBS Morning / YouTube
In Gaines County, the epicenter of the Texas outbreak, state health officials have reported 80 cases.
The rural area, known for its peanut, cotton, oil, and gas production, has one of the lowest immunization rates in the state.
State data shows that fewer than 82% of kindergartners in Gaines County are vaccinated against measles.
In the Loop Independent School District, which has about 150 students, only 46% of kindergartners are vaccinated.
Two weeks ago, a family from Gaines County traveled 60 miles to see a pediatric specialist in Lubbock.
During the visit, clinic staff learned that the child had measles the previous week and was not vaccinated.
Initially, medical staff worried the child was contagious, but the rash had faded four days prior, meaning he was no longer infectious.
The CDC warns that measles is so contagious it can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. One contagious individual can infect up to 18 others.
A language barrier has further complicated containment efforts. Many residents in the affected communities primarily speak a German dialect used by the Mennonite community or a mix of German and Spanish.
In a Mennonite newspaper dated January 27, three days before Texas officials confirmed cases in Gaines County, locals were already discussing the outbreak.
Across the border in New Mexico, nine cases have been confirmed in Lea County. Unlike Texas, New Mexico officials say religious affiliation is not a factor in their outbreak.
Measles can spread before symptoms even appear, making it highly contagious. Early signs resemble respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and conjunctivitis (eye redness). Small white bumps appear inside the mouth two to three days after the onset of symptoms.
A rash—the signature sign of measles—begins at the head and spreads down to the toes.
An infected person is contagious four days before and after the rash appears, said Dr. Ari Brown, a pediatrician in Austin.
Measles can cause serious complications, including:
- Hospitalization: 1 in 5 unvaccinated people require hospitalization.
- Pneumonia: 1 in 20 infected children develop pneumonia, the leading cause of measles-related deaths.
- Encephalitis: 1 in 1,000 children suffer from brain inflammation, leading to deafness or intellectual disabilities.
- Pregnancy risks: Unvaccinated pregnant women may have premature or low birthweight babies.
- Weakened immune systems: Those undergoing cancer treatment or with immune conditions are at greater risk of severe illness.
As cases continue to rise, health officials stress the importance of widespread vaccination to curb the outbreak before it spreads even further.
Read more: Measles on the move: How the Texas outbreak could affect your state next—stay informed!
