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Texas Faces Measles Resurgence as Vaccination Rates Decline

KVIA•Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:30 PM•CNN Newsource

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One year after a significant measles outbreak in West Texas, new cases continue to emerge across the United States, raising alarm about public health. Texas reported over 760 cases and two fatalities before declaring the outbreak over in August 2025, but the spread has not ceased. The U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status, which has been in place since 2000, with over 2,200 confirmed cases in 2025 and 171 cases already reported in early 2026. Experts attribute the resurgence to low vaccination rates, as more than 95% of cases have occurred among unvaccinated individuals. The CDC indicates that vaccine hesitancy and exemptions are on the rise, complicating efforts to improve immunization coverage.

Key Details: • Texas reported over 760 measles cases in 2025, with two deaths. • Over 2,200 confirmed cases of measles were reported in the U.S. in 2025. • 171 cases reported in the first two weeks of 2026, nearing annual averages. • Vaccine coverage has been below the federal target of 95% for five consecutive years. • The Pan American Health Organization will review measles elimination status in April.

public-health vaccination measles outbreak epidemiology

People & Organizations

ArizonaWest TexasUtahCDCSouth CarolinaPan American Health OrganizationWorld Health OrganizationDr. Caitlin RiversDr. Demetre DaskalakisDr. Paul OffitDr. Maurice Hilleman

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