Measles Outbreaks Spread Across the US

by Mell P

Introduction to the Crisis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is overwhelmed by requests for assistance as measles outbreaks spread across multiple states, with a senior agency scientist warning Tuesday that many infections are going unreported. With over 700 confirmed cases nationwide—including 561 in Texas alone since late January—2025 now ranks as the second-worst year for measles in decades.

David Sugerman, the CDC’s lead measles response scientist, told the agency’s vaccine advisory committee that Texas is reallocating health department staff from other regions and programs to manage the crisis. Each case costs 30,000 to 50,000 in public health efforts, he noted, a burden that “adds up quite quickly.”

Challenges and Funding Limitations

The challenge is compounded by the Trump administration’s recent cancellation of $11 billion in pandemic-era public health grants, some of which had been repurposed for outbreak response. “We are scraping to find the resources and personnel needed to support Texas and other jurisdictions,” Sugerman said. “There are quite a number of resource requests coming in, in particular from Texas. There are funding limitations in light of COVID-19 funding dissipating.”

Outbreak Origins and Underreporting

The West Texas outbreak has primarily affected a local Mennonite community, with over 90% of cases linked to transmission in undervaccinated, close-knit groups. Genetic sequencing ties the outbreak to similar clusters in Canada and Mexico within the same demographic.

Sugerman emphasized that the true scale of infections is likely far higher due to undiagnosed and unreported cases. “In talking with families, they may mention prior cases that have recovered and never received testing,” he said, estimating that measles’ typical 1–3 deaths per 1,000 pediatric infections could understate the toll.

Human Toll and Response Efforts

The outbreak has claimed three lives: two unvaccinated Texas children with no underlying conditions and one adult in New Mexico (officially under investigation).

The CDC recently deployed 15 personnel to Texas, including a NIOSH team improving hospital ventilation—a mission cut short when NIOSH faced mass layoffs in federal health agency downsizing on April 1. Seven more staff are being sent this week, alongside vaccine distribution and wastewater surveillance support.

Conclusion

With critical funding slashed and cases spreading undetected, the CDC’s fraying capacity raises alarms about America’s preparedness for resurgent vaccine-preventable diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current status of the measles outbreak in the US?

A: The US is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with over 700 confirmed cases nationwide, including 561 in Texas alone since late January.

Q: What is the cause of the outbreak?

A: The outbreak is primarily affecting undervaccinated, close-knit groups, with over 90% of cases linked to transmission in these communities.

Q: What is being done to respond to the outbreak?

A: The CDC has deployed personnel to Texas, including a NIOSH team, and is providing vaccine distribution and wastewater surveillance support. However, funding limitations and resource constraints are hindering the response efforts.