In 2023, an estimated 10.3 million people were infected with measles. A measles outbreaks are happening in every region of the world. Anyone who is not protected against measles can get measles while abroad and easily spread it to others when they return home.
Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, measles cases and outbreaks continue to occur in the United States due to unvaccinated international travelers. Large measles outbreaks are possible when travel-related measles cases reach atrisk U.S. populations with low immunization against measles. In 2019, the The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. At this time, 146 cases have been identified since late January. Twenty of the patients have been hospitalized.
There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated. Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities. DSHS is working with local health departments to investigate the outbreak.
The U.S. nearly lost its elimination status when 1,300 measles cases occurred in New York and cases in 30 additional states. After a decrease in global measles incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic, measles activity globally and in the United States continues to rise.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. At this time, 146 cases have been identified since late January in 2025. Twenty of the patients have been hospitalized. There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated. Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities.
