Oklahoma Confirms Measles Cases Linked to Texas and New Mexico Outbreak

 

As the Texas measles outbreak surges, Oklahoma has now confirmed four cases, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. This escalation ties into a broader regional outbreak that originated in Gaines County, Texas, and has spread to New Mexico and beyond, raising concerns about vaccination rates and public health.

Measles Outbreak Update: 321 Cases Across Three States

The measles outbreak, which began earlier this year in Gaines County, Texas, has reached a total of 321 confirmed cases as of March 18, 2025. Texas reports 279 cases, including 208 children and 52 adults, with 36 hospitalizations. New Mexico has 38 cases—17 children under 17, 20 adults, and one pending age verification—with two hospitalized. Oklahoma’s four cases, all unvaccinated, are directly linked to exposure from the Texas and New Mexico outbreak. The virus has now affected 11 Texas counties and two New Mexico counties.

Vaccination Status and Measles Spread

Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status, underscoring the critical role of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, six cases—two in Texas and four in New Mexico—occurred in people with at least one MMR dose, highlighting rare breakthrough infections. Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer 97% protection, making vaccination a key defense against this highly contagious disease.

The outbreak has claimed lives. Last month, Texas reported its first death—a school-aged, unvaccinated child with no underlying conditions. In New Mexico, officials are probing the death of an unvaccinated adult who tested positive for measles. With cases climbing, experts warn of further spread. “This is going to be a large outbreak… I’m really thinking this is going to be a year-long,” said Katherine Wells, Lubbock Public Health Director, in a CNN-reported briefing. She noted the rural, multistate nature complicates containment efforts.

This regional crisis emphasizes the importance of early detection, vaccination, and public health action. Keywords like “Texas measles outbreak,” “Oklahoma measles cases,” and “measles vaccination rates” highlight the urgency of staying informed. As the outbreak grows, health officials urge unvaccinated individuals to get the MMR vaccine to curb this preventable disease.