Texas Health Officials Declare End to 2025 Measles Outbreak

August 18, 2025 – The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has officially declared an end to the 2025 measles outbreak that affected communities across the state earlier this year. The outbreak resulted in 762 confirmed cases and two deaths, marking it as one of the most severe measles outbreaks in Texas in over a decade.

Health officials say no new cases have been reported for more than 42 days—the equivalent of two full measles incubation periods—meeting the criteria to declare the outbreak over. The outbreak began in January and spread rapidly across multiple counties, largely fueled by low vaccination rates in certain areas and international travel.

DSHS officials emphasized the importance of vaccination as the key defense against highly contagious diseases like measles. “This outbreak was preventable,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford. “Vaccination protects not just the individual, but entire communities—especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”

The two deaths involved unvaccinated children with underlying health conditions, officials said.

In response to the outbreak, state and local health departments launched an aggressive campaign of contact tracing, vaccination clinics, and public education. Over 50,000 MMR vaccine doses were administered statewide during the response effort.

While the outbreak is officially over, DSHS urges families to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations, especially ahead of the school year.