Understanding the Measles Outbreak in Texas and New Mexico

Recent measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico have heightened concerns among Americans regarding their health risks. The situation has become particularly pressing, as these outbreaks have already resulted in at least one death.

Alert from Health Authorities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has raised alarms about increasing global measles outbreaks. According to the CDC, these outbreaks elevate the risk of cases among individuals who are unvaccinated and travel internationally. A notable instance occurred on February 19 when a patient in California returned from Asia with measles.

Current Statistics

As of now, the CDC reports 165 confirmed measles cases in 2025, with a staggering 93% classified as “outbreak-associated.” By definition, an outbreak involves three or more related cases of the disease, indicating a serious public health concern.

Geographic Spread of the Outbreak

Reports of measles cases have emerged from various locations, including Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island, and Texas as of February 27.

Expert Insights on Measles

Dr. Marc Siegel, a Senior Medical Analyst for Fox News, has emphasized that measles stands out as the most contagious respiratory virus globally. Siegel highlighted that the ongoing outbreak primarily stems from low vaccination rates in the affected communities. He expressed he is “not concerned” about vaccinated individuals, who generally enjoy robust protection against the virus.

Identifying Measles Symptoms

While many people connect measles with a distinct red rash, Dr. Siegel notes that this symptom typically appears five days after initial infection. Instead, the early indicators to watch for include fever, stuffy nose, body aches, and red eyes. Moreover, he mentioned that it is not uncommon for infected individuals to develop sores in their mouths.

Measles Compared to COVID-19

When questioned about the potential for measles to replicate the spread of COVID-19, Dr. Siegel expressed skepticism. He stressed the importance of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. According to him, individuals who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine enjoy a 97% protection rate against measles.

Public Health Warnings

Fox News Channel contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier has added another critical perspective, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by measles. She urged Americans to remain vigilant, asserting that this disease is far from being a relic of the past. With vaccination rates declining in certain areas, preventable outbreaks are resurfacing at an alarming pace, particularly in regions with low vaccination coverage.

Complications Associated with Measles

Dr. Saphier pointed out that the complications arising from measles can be severe, especially for children under five years old and pregnant women. These complications may include pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in some cases, death. While vaccinated individuals maintain a low risk, she cautioned that the situation remains precarious for those who have not been vaccinated.

Government and Health Agency Response

The CDC has confirmed that discussions have taken place between HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Texas Governor Abbott. The commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, Dr. Jennifer A. Shuford, is also involved in these conversations alongside other public health officials. The CDC is actively providing assistance to both Texas and New Mexico as they confront these outbreaks.

Preventive Measures and Recommendations

Public health authorities in Texas and New Mexico agree that the most effective way to prevent infection is to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. Health officials in both states are diligently monitoring outbreak developments, releasing updates on their official websites to keep the public informed.

Staying Informed and Protected

As measles outbreaks spread across various states, staying informed about vaccination status and outbreak developments is crucial. The best defense against this highly contagious virus is vaccination. While the majority of the population is at low risk if vaccinated, the continued decline in vaccination rates poses a real threat to public health.

Individuals are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for guidance on measles vaccination and to monitor local health department updates regarding ongoing outbreak responses. Protecting yourself and your community against the resurgence of measles requires proactive measures and awareness.