Texas is reporting its highest number of measles cases in decades as the United States faces a rise in the disease. Health officials say most of the new cases are among unvaccinated children and teenagers.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), this year’s outbreak is the largest since 1992. Most cases are from West Texas, but several other parts of the state have also been affected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 1,600 measles cases have been confirmed across 42 U.S. states in 2025. Texas has one of the highest case numbers, helping to push the national total to its highest level in over 30 years.
Health experts say the rise in measles is worrying because the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. They warn that low vaccination rates are allowing the virus to return and spread quickly.
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. A person with measles can infect others just by coughing or sneezing, and the virus can stay in the air for hours. The illness can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death, especially among unvaccinated people.
Experts say the main reason for the outbreak is a drop in vaccination rates. CDC data show that the number of kindergarten children who received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has fallen in recent years from over 95% before the pandemic to about 92% now. This decline means fewer communities have enough protection to stop the disease from spreading.
In response, Texas health authorities are encouraging parents to check their children’s vaccination records and make sure they have received both doses of the MMR vaccine. The state is also increasing vaccination drives and working closely with local health departments to track and control the outbreak.
Health officials say measles is preventable and urge everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. The message is simple: vaccination saves lives and helps stop diseases from making a comeback.
