U.S. records first measles death in decade as outbreak spreads

First measles-related death in over a decade in the U.S. as outbreak sweeps Texas, highlighting importance of vaccination.

The United States has recorded its first measles-related death in over a decade, as a growing number of cases sweeps across the country, with Texas emerging as the epicentre of the outbreak, officials said.

The highly contagious virus has infected individuals in at least nine states, sending several to hospitals.

The Texas Department of State Health Services on Saturday (March 1, 2025) confirmed 146 measles cases as of February 28.

A school-aged child in west Texas, who was unvaccinated, succumbed to the highly contagious but preventable respiratory disease on Wednesday (February 26, 2025), marking the first measles-related death in the U.S. in over a decade.

The outbreak in Texas has spread to neighbouring New Mexico, the officials said.

Dr Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and virologist at Baylor College of Medicine, warned that the outbreak is a direct consequence of declining vaccination rates.

“When vaccination coverage drops below 90%, measles can spread like wildfire. One infected person can transmit the virus to up to 18 others,” he said.