The Measles Outbreak in America: Why and What it Means, The Outbreak Footage
Daisy J. W. LeungIntroduction: Measles
What Sparks a Measles Outbreak in the U.S.
Texas Virus Story: The Worst-Struck State
Scale and Impact
In early March 2025, Texas is battling a severe measles outbreak — since the end of January, the South Plains region of the state has reported 159 confirmed cases of Measles. The outbreak is especially worrisome given that it has led to the first death of a school-aged child in the U.S. from measles since 2015.
Geographic Concentration
It is the hottest of all off in certain counties in the South Plains area, so it’s a very localized issue. But if it is allowed to spread, experts warn, the outbreak could infect other parts of the country and present a nationwide threat.
Regions with Measles Cases
New York City
Two unassociated cases of measles have been reported in New York City since the end of February. Although the cases are not linked to one another, city officials said that it highlighted the need for parents to vaccinate their children to help stop the spread.
Nationwide Trends
By late February 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that there have been 164 cases of measles recorded around the U.S. Texas has been hit the hardest by the virus, but its spread across state lines highlights that the larger problem of falling vaccination rates and growing threat of outbreaks is not isolated to one region.
What You Need to Know: How Measles Spreads, What Caused This Outbreak, Risk Factors
How Measles Spreads
Measles is among the most contagious viruses known to man. It is believed to spread through respiratory droplets emitted when a person who has the virus coughs or sneezes. It can survive on surfaces and in the air for as long as two hours, enabling other people to be infected — especially in spots where large numbers of people gather or where people are packed together or close by one another.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of measles usually occur 7–14 days after exposure and include:
High fever
Cough and runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Classic red rash, beginning on the face and progressed down
Possible Measles Complications
Measles can cause serious complications from having the disease, particularly among some groups of people: young children, unvaccinated people and people with weakened immune systems.
Pneumonia (the number 1 cause of deaths from measles)
Encephalitis (swelling of the brain, which can lead to seizures and brain damage)
Blindness
Death in severe cases
Measles Is Making a Comeback. Why?
Declining Vaccination Rates
One important reason for the return of measles was a decline in vaccination coverage. “But the same place — Gaines County, Texas — had only 82% of children receiving the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine. It remains a long way below the 95 percent vaccination threshold that is needed to form herd immunity that protects people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
Community Resistance and Vaccine Skepticism
Some groups on religious or cultural grounds have opposed vaccinations. The West Texas Mennonite communities, especially, with vaccination rates soured by personal and cultural beliefs. Such resistance creates pockets of susceptibility where measles can thrive easily.
Increased Global Travel
When you look at data for another major contributor to the emergence of disease — interconnection and international travel — there's also data on that. Travelers from places where measles is endemic can introduce the virus into the United States, where it can flash through under-vaccinated communities.
The Public Health Response: Containing the Outbreak Is the Goal
Vaccination Campaigns
Health officials are increasing vaccinations, particularly in Texas and other areas where there have been widespread impacts. The M.M.R. vaccine, which offers protection after two doses to 97 percent of people, is the best defense against measles.
Epidemiological surveillance and early detection have been improved
The result: Health officials are employing sophisticated monitoring systems to track and contain the spread of the disease. In Harris County, Texas, officials are tracking school attendance and closely monitoring wastewater to identify potential cases earlier.
Combating Misinformation
But myths and disinformation about vaccines have left some parents on the fence. About the Author Anecdotal evidence suggests that many communities are working to educate themselves on the importance of immunization and at the same time, trying to dispel myths about vaccines.
What You Can Do to Keep Yourself and Your Community Safe
Get Vaccinated
The best protection against measles is a shot. The CDC recommends:
MMR vaccine, 1st dose: 12–15 mo
Second dose at 4–6 years
Unvaccinated adults and even those with doubt about their immunity should be vaccinated, what’s more, especially if they work in health care or are leaving the country.
Practice Good Hygiene
• Frequent handwashing, ▶ with soap & water.
So do not pass by a person with measles symptoms
Covering your mouth or nose with a tissue or your elbow while coughing or sneezing
Stay Informed
Follow public health guidance, and know what the measles situation is where you live. If you believe you’ve been exposed, see a physician without delay.
FAQs: What You Should Know About Measles
Q1. How does the MMR vaccine work?
The M.M.R. is 93 percent effective after the first dose, and approximately 97 percent effective after the second. So the level of protection is so great, we have to have more than 95 percent vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks.
Q2. Who can get the MMR vaccine?
Yes, unvaccinated or non-immune adults should be vaccinated. It is mainly recommended for health care workers, travelers to other countries and those living in communities where there is an active outbreak.
Q3. What are the early symptoms of measles?
Early signs of measles include fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Within days, a rash starts, moving from the face to the body.
Q4. The measles virus lingers in the air for up to two hours.
The measles virus lingers in the air and remains infectious for as long as two hours after an infected person leaves an area — an extraordinary factor in how contagious it is.
Q5. What if I think I’ve been exposed to measles?
If you believe you have been in contact with measles, contact your physician without delay. If you are unvaccinated but receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of being exposed, it is possible it can keep you from becoming ill or significantly reduce the disease.
GOING CHELSEATRY DAWNING OF THE PHENOMENON OWN THEM.
The re-emergence of the disease in the U.S., and in Texas in particular, can be traced directly or indirectly to declining vaccination numbers and disinformation. They are rolling out vaccination campaigns, hyper vigilance and other public actions to contain the outbreak.
And everything that we can do to stop measles, takes all of us. Vaccination, education and hygiene are the basic tenets of protection — for you, and your neighbors. Armed with renewed focus on immunization, the U.S. can be back on the path to measles elimination and avoiding future outbreaks. Read more