Measles Outbreak in the U.S.: Texas on Alert as Cases Linked to International Travel Emerge

Measles, a disease once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, has made a troubling comeback in 2025, reaching alarming levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of April 17, there have been 800 reported cases across 25 jurisdictions. Texas is currently the most affected state, with 597 confirmed cases.

The epicenter of the outbreak in Texas is Gaines County, home to a Mennonite community with historically low vaccination rates. To date, 62 hospitalizations and two deaths have been reported—both involving school-aged children who were unvaccinated and had no pre-existing health conditions.

Meanwhile, the states of Louisiana, Missouri, and Virginia have reported their first measles cases of 2025, all of which have been linked to international travel. In Louisiana, an unvaccinated adult from the New Orleans metro area tested positive after returning from overseas. In Virginia, a child under four contracted the virus following international travel, and in Missouri, another child was diagnosed in Taney County.

The spread of measles has been exacerbated by vaccine hesitancy and the circulation of misinformation. The CDC reports that 96% of 2025 cases involve individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Public figures promoting conspiracy theories and unproven treatments have further complicated public health efforts.

Health experts stress that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective, with a 97% efficacy rate when both recommended doses are administered. The current outbreak highlights the urgent need to maintain high vaccination coverage and to counter misinformation with verified, science-based information.

In today’s interconnected world, effective disease surveillance and international cooperation are essential to controlling the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses. The unfolding situation in the United States serves as a stark reminder that complacency can reverse decades of progress in public health.