As an epidemiologist and assistant professor dedicated to the education of primary care physicians, I feel compelled to address the alarming measles outbreak currently unfolding in Texas and neighboring states. This situation not only underscores the resurgence of a disease once considered successfully contained but also highlights the detrimental impact of disinformation and recent government budget cuts on public health efforts. Measles is the immediate proof that this new approach isn’t working.
The Current State of the Measles Outbreak
As of March 25, 2025, Texas is grappling with its largest measles outbreak in three decades. The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported 327 confirmed cases, with the majority originating in Gaines County. Tragically, there have been 40 hospitalizations and one death—a six-year-old unvaccinated girl from the Mennonite community.
The outbreak is not confined to Texas alone. New Mexico’s Department of Health has reported 42 cases as of March 21, 2025, bringing the regional total to 351. The disease has spread beyond the initial Mennonite communities, affecting a broader demographic. Furthermore, Kansas has identified at least 20 cases genetically linked to the Texas strain, indicating the virus’s expanding reach.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 378 measles cases across 18 states as of March 20, 2025. This resurgence is particularly concerning given that the US declared measles eliminated in 2000.
The Role of Misinformation and Disinformation
A significant factor exacerbating this outbreak is the rampant spread of misinformation and disinformation. Social media platforms have become hotbeds for false claims, with viral posts erroneously attributing the outbreak to the vaccines themselves or to migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. These assertions lack scientific backing and divert attention from the real issue: declining vaccination rates.
According to the CDC, the national vaccination rate for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine among kindergarteners dropped to just under 93% in the 2023-24 school year, down from 95% in 2019-2020. And of course, that rate is not evenly distributed. This decline leaves communities vulnerable to outbreaks, as herd immunity requires approximately 95% coverage to prevent the spread of measles.
Compounding the problem, the current Secretary for Health and Human Services, a known vaccine skeptic, has publicly promoted unproven treatments for measles. He has advocated for the use of vitamin A and cod liver oil, suggesting these as effective therapies. However, Texas and other state health officials have not requested such treatments and continue to focus on vaccination efforts. The promotion of these alternatives has led to increased demand for cod liver oil in West Texas, with reports of children suffering from vitamin A toxicity due to misuse.
Impact of Government Budget Cuts
Recent federal budget cuts are further aggravating the situation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced the cancellation of approximately $12 billion in federal grants allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds were instrumental in tracking, preventing, and controlling infectious diseases, including measles.
In Texas, these cuts have had immediate repercussions. Public health officials in Lubbock, for instance, have been directed to halt work supported by three grants that were crucial in responding to the measles outbreak. These funds facilitated testing, vaccination campaigns, and public education initiatives. Without them, local health departments are left scrambling to manage the crisis with diminished resources.
The timing of these budget cuts could not be worse. As the measles outbreak continues to spread, the need for robust public health infrastructure is paramount. Reducing funding undermines efforts to contain the disease, putting more individuals at risk and potentially prolonging the outbreak.
Moving Forward: Combating Disinformation and Supporting Public Health
Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, combating disinformation is critical. Public health officials, educators, and community leaders must work together to disseminate accurate information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Engaging with communities, particularly those with historically low vaccination rates, can help rebuild trust and encourage immunization.
Furthermore, it is imperative that government officials prioritize public health funding. Investing in disease prevention and control not only saves lives but is also cost-effective in the long run. Restoring and maintaining funding for state and local health departments ensures that they have the resources needed to respond swiftly and effectively to outbreaks.
The current measles outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of complacency and misinformation. The response must be able to deliver constant, up-to-date, and accurate information. It must be supported with tried and true public health initiatives. Public health and medicine can work together to treat this crisis and prevent future outbreaks, thereby safeguarding the health of our communities. However, right now, it feels like we are trying to do this with both hands tied behind our backs.
Ben King