Texas Declares End of Measles Outbreak After 762 Cases

Texas health officials announced the end of a measles outbreak that sickened 762 people since late January. The outbreak was declared over after more than 42 days without new cases, meeting the threshold set by public health officials. The last confirmed case was reported on July 1.
The outbreak resulted in two deaths of unvaccinated children and 100 hospitalizations. It spread across 37 counties in Texas and was linked to outbreaks in Canada, Mexico, and other U.S. states. This year has seen the worst measles resurgence in the U.S. in over three decades, driven by declining childhood vaccination rates and increasing vaccine exemptions.
West Texas was the epicenter, with the virus spreading within undervaccinated Mennonite communities. While the Texas outbreak is over, officials warn that more cases are likely as measles continues to spread globally.
Dr. Jennifer Shuford, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner, credited testing, vaccination, monitoring, and education for helping end the outbreak. She praised the efforts of public health professionals in containing the highly contagious virus.
Measles causes a rash and respiratory symptoms, leading to severe complications or death. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective prevention, required for most children before starting school.
Despite the end of the Texas outbreak, measles remains a significant public health threat, highlighting the importance of vaccination and ongoing vigilance.

Published: 8/18/2025