Texas Measles Outbreak Grows as CDC Sends Additional Support

April 15, 2025 — The measles outbreak in Texas continues to grow, with state health officials confirming 561 cases as of Tuesday, an increase of 20 cases since April 11. The outbreak is centered in Gaines County, where case numbers have climbed from 355 to 364 in just four days, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

In response, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is stepping up efforts by deploying a second team of specialists to assist with the crisis. The CDC previously sent 15 personnel to Texas between March 4 and April 1 to provide technical support and infection control strategies on the ground. Now, seven more CDC members are being dispatched to help manage the situation.

Dr. David Sugerman of the CDC’s Division of Viral Diseases addressed the growing concerns during a recent meeting with public health advisors. He noted that the response efforts have been strained by the cancellation of approximately $11 billion in federal grants that had been helping states combat infectious diseases in the post-pandemic period.

“We are scraping to find the resources and personnel needed to provide support to Texas and other jurisdictions,” Sugerman said.

So far, CDC experts have worked with seven hospitals in Texas to enhance infection prevention practices and have also reviewed disease control measures in schools. Remote technical support is ongoing for various state health departments dealing with the outbreak.

In neighboring Lubbock County, which has now reported 41 cases, health officials first identified measles in January after two children were hospitalized. According to Dr. Katherine Wells, director of Lubbock Public Health, the children had not traveled outside the area, suggesting that the virus had already been spreading in nearby Gaines County before it was officially recognized.

“It had definitely been circulating when we found out about it,” Wells said, adding that the outbreak could persist for up to a year.

To date, 58 people have been hospitalized in Texas as a result of the outbreak. Tragically, two unvaccinated children—both without underlying health issues—have died from the disease.

There is growing concern that if the outbreak continues to spread beyond January 20, 2026, the United States could risk losing its measles elimination status, a designation it has held since 2000.

New Mexico is also seeing rising case numbers. The state’s health department reported 63 cases as of Tuesday, five more than in their previous update. Most of these are located in Lea County, which borders Gaines County in Texas. Doña Ana County has also reported its first case of 2025. One additional hospitalization was confirmed in New Mexico due to the disease.

As the situation evolves, health officials are urging vaccination and strict infection control practices to prevent further spread.