Measles Diagnosed in Texas – 2025

In the past two weeks, 49 cases of measles have been reported in Texas, with most of those affected being children. The majority of cases involve individuals who are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. At our urgent care pediatrics clinics, we are closely monitoring this outbreak of measles in kids—the largest in Texas in nearly three decades—is primarily concentrated in the northern part of the state in Gaines County.

Health Officials Urge Vaccination
It is strongly encouraged for everyone to get vaccinated against measles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MMR vaccine for kids (measles, mumps, rubella) is 97% effective at preventing measles when both required doses are administered.

To be fully protected, individuals need two doses of the MMR vaccine:

• First dose: Typically given at 12-15 months old
• Second dose: Given at 4-6 years old

Why Measles is Dangerous
Measles in kids is an extremely contagious virus. Simply breathing the same air as an infected person can expose you to the virus, even if they left the room up to two hours earlier.

While many cases are mild, young children are at high risk for serious complications, including:

• Respiratory issues (such as pneumonia)
• Neurological complications (such as encephalitis)
• Severe dehydration due to diarrhea
• Ear infections that can lead to hearing loss

Because of these risks, health officials urge parents to monitor children closely if they develop symptoms. Children who contract measles face a significant risk of severe complications and death, especially if they are unvaccinated. The mortality rate for measles is 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases in developed countries, but in low-income regions with poor healthcare access, it can be as high as 10% or more. Unvaccinated children are at the highest risk, as they are 22 times more likely to contract measles and suffer from complications like pneumonia, encephalitis, and severe dehydration. In contrast, vaccinated children have a 97% reduced risk of infection and, even if exposed, usually experience a milder illness with fewer complications. Widespread vaccination has drastically reduced childhood deaths from measles, preventing an estimated 56 million deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2021 according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

What to Do if You Suspect Measles
If you think your child has measles, call your doctor immediately. They can provide a diagnosis, offer guidance on symptom management, and report the case to local health officials to help contain the spread. Measles in kids typically lasts several weeks. During this time, those infected should stay home and avoid public spaces, especially areas where children and vulnerable individuals are present. A person is contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after.

Treatment and Recovery
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Supportive care includes:
✔ Plenty of rest
✔ Fluids to prevent dehydration
✔ A humidifier to ease coughing and congestion
✔ Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and discomfort

Stopping the Spread
The best way to protect yourself and your family is through vaccination. If you or your child have not received both doses of the MMR vaccine for kids, contact your healthcare provider to get up to date.

Measles outbreaks are preventable, and with proper immunization, we can stop this virus from spreading further.

Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care can test your child for measles by sending out a blood test, although a blood test is not necessary to diagnose measles. Little Spurs has 11 locations in San Antonio and eight in Dallas-Fort Worth and sees children from the ages of 0-21 years old on a walk-in basis. Little Spurs is accredited by the Urgent Care Association.