The Southwest United States is facing a historic health crisis as federal officials confirm the region is experiencing the largest single measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in the country in 2000.
According to internal details shared during a CDC-led meeting with state health officials, the outbreak has now surpassed earlier case counts from previous years, including the major 2019 outbreak that reached 1,249 cases nationwide. Unlike that outbreak, which was fueled by multiple international introductions, health experts say this one is spreading from a single source and is largely concentrated in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
“This is the largest outbreak in the U.S. since measles elimination was declared in 2000,” said Dr. Dan Filardo, who heads the CDC’s measles response task force. He confirmed the agency is deploying additional personnel to Texas, the current epicenter of the crisis.
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Texas at the Center of the Crisis
Texas health officials have reported at least 624 cases since late January. Among them are two young, unvaccinated girls who have died—marking the first measles-related fatalities in the United States in more than a decade. Of the total infections reported nationwide, 70 percent have occurred in children, with the median age of patients being just 8 years old.
Roughly 11 percent of all known U.S. cases have required hospitalization, most of those in Texas. The CDC says more than 800 cases have been officially documented, but the actual figure is likely higher due to reporting delays and ongoing case confirmations.
Low Vaccination Rates Fueling the Spread
Nearly all infections have occurred in people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains unknown. The outbreak has disproportionately impacted Mennonite communities across the Southwest—groups known for lower vaccine uptake.
Religious gatherings, weddings, and large community events tied to the 500th anniversary of Mennonite origins are believed to be accelerating the spread. Dr. Filardo warned that more outbreaks could follow in other rural and Plains communities if transmission is not halted quickly.
International Links Widen the Threat
The situation is no longer confined to U.S. borders. Related outbreaks have erupted in Ontario, Canada, and Chihuahua State, Mexico—both areas with strong Mennonite populations. Canada has recorded nearly 1,000 cases since October, and Mexico has surpassed 400 infections, including one adult death.
Health officials say that gatherings bringing together individuals from different countries are increasing the risk of cross-border transmission, especially in regions where immunization rates are lower than average.
A Strained Public Health Response
Efforts to contain the outbreak have been hampered by limited resources. Dr. David Sugerman, a senior CDC scientist, revealed that recent threats to local public health funding have weakened response efforts. “We’re scraping to find the resources to support states like Texas,” he told health officials.
Adding to the strain, a planned cut of billions in health department funding by the Department of Health and Human Services has created further uncertainty. A judge has temporarily blocked the cuts following legal action by multiple states, but local health leaders say the damage is already being felt.
Layoffs at the CDC have also impacted divisions responsible for emergency preparedness and hospital coordination, making it more difficult to ensure proper care for infected individuals in affected states.
Misinformation Adds to the Crisis
Compounding the issue, misleading health claims and vaccine skepticism are spreading alongside the virus. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly downplayed the dangers of measles and vaccines, instead promoting unproven treatments like cod liver oil.
Doctors in West Texas report patients delaying critical care in favor of home remedies inspired by Kennedy’s comments. These delays are worsening the severity of infections and contributing to preventable complications.
In contrast, CDC officials have reinforced the role of vaccines. “As we all know, vaccination remains the best tool to prevent and respond to measles outbreaks,” said Dr. Filardo during the state call.
A Growing Threat
The CDC is urging a renewed public health push as projections suggest the national case count could soon exceed the 2019 outbreak. More than 20 separate outbreaks drove that total, while the current crisis stems from one major outbreak, making containment more difficult if left unchecked.
Officials warn that without immediate action, the virus could continue to gain ground across the Midwest and beyond. Expanded vaccination campaigns, emergency funding, and stronger public messaging are being called for to prevent further loss of life.
A Race Against Time
Public health veterans say aggressive measures are necessary to bring the outbreak under control. In 2019, it took an 11-month campaign, more than $8 million in public health resources, and mandated vaccinations in some areas to stop the spread.
With fewer resources and growing resistance to vaccines today, experts fear this outbreak could become far more dangerous.
“Every missed opportunity to vaccinate increases the chance of another child being hospitalized or worse,” said one official familiar with the CDC response.
As the country braces for what could become its worst measles crisis in 25 years, the message from public health leaders is clear: vaccination, swift containment, and public cooperation are the only way forward.
