As of July 2, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed a significant development in the ongoing measles outbreak in the state. The first case of measles in Bexar County, home to San Antonio, was reported, marking a concerning expansion of the outbreak that has predominantly affected West Texas. The Bexar County case is believed to be linked to the higher concentration of cases in counties such as Gaines (414 cases), Terry (60), El Paso (59), and Lubbock (53), underscoring the growing statewide nature of the virus.
The Surge in Measles Cases
Texas has experienced a dramatic rise in measles cases since the start of 2025, with a total of 753 confirmed cases across the state. Alarmingly, the majority of these individuals—710, to be exact—are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. This outbreak is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, with 221 of the cases involving children under age four, a group highly susceptible to the more severe complications of measles, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, both of which can have long-term health consequences.
The virus, which was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000 due to the widespread success of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination program, has made a disturbing return, primarily in areas where vaccination rates are low or where individuals have opted out of immunization. Experts attribute this resurgence to gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Bexar County’s Response
Bexar County health officials are closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to get vaccinated as a primary means of preventing further spread. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) has ramped up public awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of the MMR vaccine, which has proven to be 93% effective with one dose and 97% effective with two doses. These vaccination rates are crucial in achieving herd immunity, a protective threshold that prevents widespread outbreaks of the disease.
In response to the outbreak, the SAMHD is conducting extensive outreach, including providing free vaccination clinics and collaborating with local healthcare providers to ensure that both children and adults are immunized. Health officials are also advising the public to be vigilant for signs of measles, which include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic red, blotchy rash.
The outbreak in Bexar County is part of a broader trend in Texas, where measles cases have been increasing steadily throughout 2025. This is exacerbated by the state’s large rural population, where access to healthcare and vaccination services may be more limited. The DSHS is working closely with local health departments to address these disparities and increase vaccination efforts.
The Importance of Vaccination
The resurgence of measles serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. The MMR vaccine has been proven safe and effective in preventing measles, and widespread vaccination is the best defense against the virus. Public health experts are urging Texans, particularly those in communities with lower vaccination rates, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Vaccination coverage rates have dipped in some areas of Texas due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation about vaccine safety. However, health experts emphasize that vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have in preventing dangerous outbreaks like this one. Measles, although highly contagious, is entirely preventable through vaccination.
The Broader Impact on Public Health
Measles outbreaks are not just a local issue but a public health challenge that requires a collective response. As one of the most contagious diseases, measles can spread rapidly in communities with low vaccination coverage. In addition to the immediate health risks, measles outbreaks put a strain on healthcare resources, including emergency rooms, pediatric care units, and public health systems that must track and respond to the growing number of cases.
Health officials are also concerned about the potential for the measles virus to spread to other states. Given that people travel frequently between states, especially in a large state like Texas, the potential for cross-border outbreaks is high. This underscores the need for swift action to contain the spread of the disease in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in Texas, particularly in Bexar County, is a serious public health issue that highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. With a rising number of cases and a vulnerable population of unvaccinated individuals, it is crucial that Texans heed the advice of public health officials and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.
