A measles outbreak centered in western Texas has surged to 624 confirmed cases, with the Texas Department of State Health Services reporting 27 new infections since last Friday. The rise in cases comes amid growing concern from federal officials over the country's ability to maintain its measles elimination status, achieved in 2000.
Gaines County, which borders New Mexico, remains the epicenter, accounting for 386 of the state's total cases. At least 64 individuals have been hospitalized in Texas, and two unvaccinated children with no underlying health conditions have died, according to state health authorities.
Nearly all the cases in Texas have occurred among unvaccinated individuals or people with unknown vaccination status. Only 10 cases involved people vaccinated with one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and 12 involved those with two doses, the DSHS reported.
The outbreak has spread beyond Texas, with neighboring New Mexico reporting 65 cases as of Tuesday, most located in Lea County adjacent to Gaines County. Montana confirmed its first five measles cases in 35 years, and Louisiana, Missouri, Virginia, and Indiana each reported new cases last week, according to their respective health departments.
As of April 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 800 measles cases nationwide across 24 states, with 97% of those cases involving unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status was unknown. Only 1% occurred in those with one MMR dose, and 2% in people with the recommended two doses. The CDC recommends two doses of the vaccine, with effectiveness estimates of 93% for one dose and 97% for two.
The CDC warned that continued transmission through January 2026 could cause the United States to lose its measles elimination status. "The U.S. could be at risk of losing its measles elimination status if the cases in the outbreak continue to spread past January 20, 2026," said Dr. David Sugerman, from the CDC's Division of Viral Diseases.
Sugerman added that the CDC deployed 22 personnel to Texas from March 4 to April 15 to assist with the outbreak response. Experts have warned that declining vaccination rates-now below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity-are contributing to the resurgence. Confusing messaging and lack of strong advocacy from public health leaders have further weakened vaccination efforts, they said.
The CDC has reiterated its recommendation that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first between 12 and 15 months, and the second between ages 4 and 6. The agency also advises early vaccination for infants as young as 6 months in outbreak zones or for international travel.
