What to Know about the 2025 Measles Outbreak
As of February 2025, there have been 124 confirmed measles cases in an ongoing outbreak in Texas and 9 reported cases in New Mexico. On February 26, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first death resulting from the outbreak: a child who had tested positive for measles and who was not vaccinated against the disease.
- Measles is highly contagious. Children who are unvaccinated are particularly susceptible to measles and should avoid exposure. Per CDC data, one out of five children who contract measles will be hospitalized, and children who contract measles are at risk of pneumonia and death.
- If you have been exposed to someone with measles or display symptoms, like a rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body, you should isolate and contact a healthcare provider immediately. If you are unvaccinated and may have been exposed to measles, you can receive the MMR vaccine up to 72 hours after exposure to help prevent or reduce the severity of an infection.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid contracting measles. Within two to three weeks of receiving the recommended doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the immune system is ready to protect against measles.
- If you are located near a measles outbreak, you should get the MMR vaccine immediately, especially for children over 12 months and adults who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status.
- Babies under 12 months of age do not have mature enough immune systems to be vaccinated against measles, so it is important to vaccinate anyone who will be interacting with them.
Talking Points
What is Measles?
- Measles is a disease that infects the lungs and breathing passages like the nose, mouth, and throat, and spreads throughout the body.
- Anyone can contract measles, but it most commonly affects children. Certain groups are most at risk for serious measles complications, including:
- Children ages five and under
- Adults ages 20 and over
- Pregnant people
- People with immunocompromised health
- Measles symptoms can include coughing, high fevers, diarrhea, a runny nose, eye and ear infections, and a rash all over the body. Severe symptoms include hearing loss and death.
Measles Transmission
- Measles is highly contagious. Someone who is infected can spread the disease to other people before noticing any symptoms, especially in the four days before and after a rash develops.
- Data show that unvaccinated people have a 90% likelihood of contracting measles if exposed. Unvaccinated children who have not previously been infected are more likely to get infected.
Measles Vaccination and Prevention
- Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid contracting measles. CDC data show the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. Individuals with a history of prior infection or vaccination who have received the full series of MMR vaccines are 97% protected and are unlikely to contract measles.
- It only takes a few days for antibodies to develop in response to the MMR vaccine. Within two to three weeks of vaccination, the immune system is ready to protect against measles.
Measles Treatment
- There is no treatment for measles, but you can take actions to feel better and prevent complications. If you or your child has measles or believe you have been exposed, isolate yourself away from others and contact a healthcare provider immediately.
- Hydration, rest, avoiding harsh light, and taking a fever reducer or pain reliever can also help relieve symptoms.
