Wellness Wednesday: The Measles Outbreak in the United States and How to Protect Your Family
As a physician assistant, health coach, and mother of two, married to a pediatrician, I see firsthand the devastating impact preventable diseases like measles can have on individuals and families. My husband and I are dedicated to protecting our children, our patients, and our community, particularly those who are most vulnerable—infants, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease, and diabetes.
Right now, Texas is facing a resurgence of measles, a disease that was once nearly eradicated in the U.S. due to vaccination efforts. Yet, declining immunization rates have led to outbreaks, and as healthcare professionals, parents, and caregivers, we must take immediate action to prevent further spread and protect our loved ones.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours.
Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include:
High fever (up to 104°F or 40°C)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth, a telltale sign of measles)
Red rash, starting at the hairline and spreading downward
While some may recover without complications, one in five unvaccinated people who contract measles will require hospitalization, and severe cases can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.
The Measles Outbreak in Texas
As of April 1, 2025, there have been 422 confirmed measles cases in Texas, primarily in the South Plains and Panhandle regions. The outbreak has resulted in 42 hospitalizations and tragically, one child has died—a stark reminder of how serious this disease can be. The outbreak has expanded beyond the initial counties, now affecting areas such as Erath and Brown counties.
The majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the critical need for immunization. State health officials are urging residents to ensure they receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is highly effective in preventing measles.
The Nation Wide Measles Outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following data on the national measles situation:
Total Cases: As of March 27, 2025, there have been 483 confirmed measles cases reported across 20 states and jurisdictions, surpassing the 285 cases reported in all of 2024.
Outbreaks: Five outbreaks (defined as chains of transmission with three or more related cases) have been reported in 2025, with 93% of confirmed cases being outbreak-associated.
Age Distribution: In 2024, 42% of cases were among children under 5 years, 31% among individuals aged 5-19 years, and 27% among adults aged 20 years and older.
Vaccination Status: In 2024, 89% of cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, 7% had received one MMR dose, and 4% had received two doses.
These statistics underscore the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent the spread of measles. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and collaborates with state health departments to control the outbreaks.
How Measles Affects High-Risk Populations
As someone who works with elderly individuals and those with chronic conditions such as cancer and kidney disease, I am particularly concerned about how an outbreak affects these groups:
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy have weakened immune systems, making them unable to fight off infections like measles.
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) already experience compromised immune function, putting them at higher risk for severe complications.
Infants under 12 months are too young to be vaccinated and rely on herd immunity for protection.
Measles is not just a childhood illness—it can be fatal for people of all ages and health backgrounds.
The Role of Vaccination: Protecting Yourself and Your Community
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best defense against measles. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses increase that to 97% effectiveness.
Who Needs the MMR Vaccine?
Children: The CDC recommends two doses, the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
Adults: If born after 1957 and not previously vaccinated, one or two doses are recommended.
High-risk individuals: Healthcare workers, international travelers, and college students should ensure full vaccination.
The Financial Burden of a Measles Outbreak
Poor public health policies come with a significant financial cost:
Hospitalization for measles complications can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per patient.
The cost of treating pneumonia, encephalitis, or long-term disability caused by measles can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Outbreak response efforts, including contact tracing and quarantine measures, can cost public health departments millions of dollars.
For families, the burden includes lost wages due to caregiving, extended hospital stays, and long-term health complications. Prevention is far more cost-effective than treatment.
How We Can Stop the Spread
Ensure you and your children are vaccinated.
Check your immunization records and schedule booster shots if needed.
Encourage community-wide immunization.
Schools, workplaces, and local organizations should promote vaccination.
Isolate if you or a family member show symptoms.
Seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with others.
Educate others about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Share accurate information to combat misinformation.
Support local and state public health initiatives.
Advocate for policies that increase vaccine accessibility and fight disinformation.
A Mother, A Health Coach, and A Call to Action
I’m honored to be working with my grandfather as he embarks on this new chapter of his health journey. His story is a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to prioritize yourself and create a healthier, more active future.
I hope his journey inspires others—no matter their age or circumstances—to take that first step toward better health.
If you’re reading this and wondering if it’s too late to start, let me be the one to tell you: It’s not. You have everything you need within you to make a change. And when you do, the future you envision is closer than you think.
Here’s to a lifetime of health, strength, and resilience—at every age.
