Measles Outbreak in Texas: What Parents Need to Know

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Measles Outbreak: How Many Measles Cases Are in Texas Right Now?

As of February 28, 2025, Texas is seeing its biggest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. There are 146 confirmed cases in nine counties. So far, 20 people have been hospitalized, and most cases are in children between 5 and 17 years old.

Five of the sick individuals had received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The rest are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making it easy to catch in places with low vaccination rates.

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• White spots inside the mouth
• A red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body

When Should Kids Get Vaccinated for Measles?

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend children get:

• 1st dose of MMR: At 12 to 15 months old
• 2nd dose of MMR: At 4 to 6 years old

How Does the MMR Vaccine Prevent Measles?

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent measles. The MMR vaccine is up to 97% effective when both doses are given. High vaccination rates protect the whole community, helping stop outbreaks.

In Texas, the MMR vaccine is required for school, but religious and personal exemptions have led to lower vaccination rates in some areas. This has contributed to the current outbreak.

Where to Get Measles Vaccines for Kids in Texas

Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) is committed to keeping our community safe. Our pediatric services include:

• Annual check-ups
• Immunizations, including the MMR vaccine
• Developmental screenings

Schedule Your Child’s MMR Vaccine Today

Make sure your child is up to date on their MMR vaccine to keep them safe and help stop the spread of measles.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, please fill out an online appointment request form or call us at 214-521-5191.

By working together, we can protect our children and stop measles from spreading in Texas.