On Wednesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSH) said an unvaccinated child had died from measles as the state battles its worse outbreak of the disease in 30 ye

Health experts say there ought to be no outbreaks in the United States. “Each outbreak signifies a lapse in our public health defenses and poses serious risks, especially to children,” said Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as U.S. Surgeon General during the first Trump administration.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 10.3 million people were infected with measles and 107,500 died. Most were unvaccinated people or children younger than five. Cases were most common in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia where incomes are low and health services insufficient.

The number of confirmed measles cases in western Texas grew to 146, and it is possibly spreading to the central part of the state and neighboring New Mexico, health officials said Friday.

A growing measles outbreak in Texas, where one unvaccinated child died and nearly 20 others have been hospitalized with serious complications, marks the first major test for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F.

While there are usually cases and even minor outbreaks reported yearly, the 2025 outbreak is on track to be the largest in six years.

“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness, which can cause life-threatening illness to anyone who is not protected against the virus. During a measles outbreak, about one in five people who get sick will need hospital care and one in 20 will develop pneumonia,” Texas DSHS said in a news release.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the state experiences below-recommended immunization rates against measles, medical experts are reminding parents that the best protection for children against the disease is vaccination.

Public health experts said that although it’s true we have measles cases in the U.S. every year, the latest outbreak is concerning.