Measles Outbreak in Texas

Measles Outbreak in Texas

What You Need to Know?

In recent months, the United States has witnessed a significant resurgence of measles, particularly in Texas and New Mexico. As of April 15, 2025, Texas has reported 561 confirmed cases, while New Mexico has reported 63 cases. According to reports by Reuters, this outbreak has tragically resulted in three deaths: two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico.

As the CDC rings the alarm on this outbreak, it’s more important than ever for healthcare professionals and the public to understand the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods.

So what exactly is measles? How does it spread? And what steps can be taken to prevent and manage it effectively?
Let’s walk through everything you need to know.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the measles virus (MeV). Once considered under control due to widespread vaccination efforts, measles is making a concerning comeback due to reduced immunization rates in certain communities.

Initial symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Red rash
What Is Measles?
These symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and immunocompromised patients, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death.

Where Are Measles Coming From?

The current outbreak in Texas started in late January 2025 and has since extended to neighboring states. Gaines County, Texas, has been identified as the epicenter, with 364 cases reported. The outbreak has also affected communities in New Mexico, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Factors contributing to the outbreak include international travel and pockets of unvaccinated populations, particularly in certain communities with low vaccination rates.
Most cases are tied to unvaccinated individuals or areas with lower immunization coverage — a stark reminder of the importance of routine vaccinations.

How Measles Is Transmitted

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, spreading through:

Person-to-Person Contact

The virus lives in the nose and throat mucus and spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes near others. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves.

Contaminated Surfaces

Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus can also lead to infection if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Lack of Immunity

People who are not vaccinated or haven’t had measles before are at high risk of getting infected.

How To Prevent Measles

The best way to prevent measles is vaccination. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is highly effective, offering up to 97% protection after two doses.

Other key prevention strategies include:

Prevention Tip Details
Get Vaccinated
Ensure that both children and adults are up-to-date on MMR vaccines
Avoid Contact
Isolate infected individuals to prevent spread
Practice Hygiene
Wash hands, disinfect surfaces, and avoid sharing personal items
Wear Masks
In outbreak zones, masks can help reduce airborne transmission
Stay Alert
Monitor symptoms and seek early treatment if exposed

How To Handle Measles as a Practitioner

As measles spreads, healthcare practitioners must act swiftly. Proper diagnosis, reporting, and vaccination efforts are essential to limit community transmission.
But you also need support on the back end — that’s where MaxRemind comes in.
Our full-suite medical billing and EHR solutions are designed to help practices respond quickly during public health emergencies by:
  • Accurately coded for MMR vaccine administration
  • Simplify billing for outbreak-related services
  • Enhancing patient communication through automated reminders
  • Supporting public health compliance through detailed reports

MaxRemind - Your Partner in Outbreak Response

With over 20 years of experience serving healthcare providers, MaxRemind empowers practices in Texas with the tools they need to stay focused on patient care.

From vaccine billing and claims management to Maximus EHR integration and real-time alerts, we’re here to support your clinical and administrative operations in times of crisis and beyond.

To stay updated on this outbreak, check the full CDC measles update or read the U.S. News coverage here.

Stay informed. Stay protected. Trust MaxRemind.