The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has declared the end of the 2025 measles outbreak that was centered in West Texas. According to DSHS, more than 42 days have passed since a new case was reported in any of the affected counties, which meets the public health criteria for ending an outbreak.
As of August 18, a total of 762 measles cases were confirmed since late January. More than two-thirds of those infected were children. The outbreak led to 99 hospitalizations and resulted in two deaths among school-aged children.
“I want to highlight the tireless work of the public health professionals across the state who contributed to the containment of one of the most contagious viruses. We arrived at this point through a comprehensive outbreak response that included testing, vaccination, disease monitoring and educating the public about measles through awareness campaigns,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH. “I also want to recognize the many health care professionals who identified and treated cases of a virus that most providers had never seen in person before this outbreak.”
Public health officials consider an outbreak over after twice the maximum incubation period for measles—42 days—has passed without new cases. However, DSHS cautions that this does not eliminate future risk. Ongoing outbreaks elsewhere in North America and globally mean additional cases could still occur in Texas this year. The agency urges healthcare providers to remain alert for symptoms and continue testing when appropriate.
Measles is described as a highly contagious respiratory illness with potential for severe complications. During outbreaks, about one in five children who contract measles may require hospitalization; one in twenty may develop pneumonia. In rare instances, it can cause brain swelling or death and may lead to pregnancy complications such as premature birth or low birth weight.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne spread from breathing, coughing, or sneezing by an infected individual. Symptoms typically begin within one to two weeks after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, followed by a rash starting on the face and spreading downward. Individuals are considered contagious from four days before until four days after rash onset.
Those suspecting they have measles or have been exposed are advised to isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility to prevent further spread.
Vaccination remains the primary preventive measure against measles infection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for children—first at 12-15 months old and again at 4-6 years old—and are effective at preventing over 97 percent of infections according to DSHS and CDC guidelines. Vaccinated individuals who do contract measles generally experience milder symptoms and are less likely to transmit the virus.
Healthcare providers can access updated infection control recommendations via DSHS health alerts and should report suspected cases immediately to local health departments while patients are still present.
