Texas and New Mexico have reported a significant rise in measles cases, with an additional 59 infections, bringing the total in both states to 228 cases. The outbreak, which originated in West Texas in late January, has since spread, resulting in the first U.S. measles-related deaths in a decade.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert to physicians, emphasizing that while the risk of widespread measles remains low, the outbreak highlights the importance of robust immunization, surveillance, and response strategies. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective tool in preventing measles, and the CDC advises that all U.S. residents born after 1957 should either be vaccinated or have laboratory-confirmed immunity to the disease.
Texas and New Mexico Report Rising Case Numbers
As of March 7, Texas reported 198 measles cases, marking an increase of 39 new cases. Notably, Gaines County accounted for 30 of these new cases, bringing its total to 137 infections. The state recently reported the death of an unvaccinated child with no underlying health conditions.
Meanwhile, New Mexico saw cases triple overnight, rising from 10 to 30 cases in a single day. The state also reported its first measles-related death, an adult patient who tested positive for the virus. Medical examiners are still investigating the cause of death.
Federal Response and Political Reactions
The CDC has reinforced vigilance among healthcare providers, urging them to closely monitor patients for measles symptoms, including fever and rash. The outbreak has also sparked political debate, becoming one of the first major public health challenges under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic.
Kennedy initially downplayed the severity of the outbreak during a recent cabinet meeting, referring to measles cases as “ordinary” and failing to acknowledge vaccination’s critical role in prevention. However, in an opinion piece published on Fox News, he later acknowledged the benefits of vaccination while maintaining that it remains a personal choice. He also highlighted the CDC’s use of vitamin A supplements in outbreak areas, as the nutrient has been shown to ease symptoms in malnourished individuals with vitamin A deficiencies.
Calls for Congressional Oversight
Concerned by the rapid spread of measles, U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone (New Jersey), Diana DeGette (Colorado), and Yvette Clarke (New York)—all Democrats—have called for a congressional oversight hearing to investigate the outbreak.
As the largest U.S. measles outbreak in a decade continues to unfold, health authorities stress the critical role of vaccination, proactive disease surveillance, and rapid response measures to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.
