News Summary
Texas is facing a significant surge in measles cases, with national records indicating 1,514 confirmed infections as of September 2025. The outbreak, primarily originating in West Texas, has seen notable increases in neighboring states such as Arizona and Utah. The CDC reports that a majority of cases are among unvaccinated individuals, raising urgent public health concerns. The importance of vaccinations is emphasized to control this outbreak, which has led to hospitalizations and tragic fatalities among children.
Texas is currently experiencing a significant surge in measles cases, with reports indicating that infections in the United States have reached a record high of 1,514 as of September 24, 2025. This alarming figure marks the highest number of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. since the disease was declared eradicated in the year 2000. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributes the majority of these cases to a large outbreak that originated in West Texas.
The recent measles outbreak is exacerbated by community transmission and travel-related cases across multiple states. As of the end of September 2025, Utah officials have confirmed 42 cases, primarily concentrated in southwest Utah near the Arizona state line. Meanwhile, Arizona has reported 52 cases as of September 23, with 48 of these cases located in Mohave County, a region where the outbreak began in Colorado City, known for connections to Mormon fundamentalism and polygamy. Notably, the number of measles cases in Arizona has quadrupled within a month, prompting health authorities to monitor the situation closely.
This year’s measles outbreak marks a significant escalation in public health concerns. For context, previous to 2025, Arizona had not encountered more than 46 measles cases in any year since 1991. Potential exposure events in August have raised alarms about the virus remaining active in communities across both Arizona and Utah. The CDC has recorded that out of the 1,514 confirmed cases nationwide, 1,493 were documented across 41 states, with an additional 21 cases occurring among international visitors.
In 2019, prior to this year’s outbreak, there were 1,274 confirmed cases, indicating a resurgence of the virus. By September 2025, the CDC reported 40 outbreaks nationally, with 86% of confirmed cases being associated with these outbreaks. Particularly concerning is the demographic data on the affected population: 27% of the confirmed measles cases occurred in children under 5 years old, while 39% were reported in individuals aged 5 to 19. Furthermore, there have been 185 hospitalizations related to the outbreak, with 88 of those cases involving patients under 5.
Tragically, the outbreak has claimed three lives, including two children in West Texas, the epicenter of the infection. A staggering 92% of measles cases were found among individuals who had not been vaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Overall, more than two-thirds of infections have occurred in children, with over 94% of cases within unvaccinated individuals.
The outbreak in West Texas was declared over on August 18 after officials reported no new cases for an extended period. Measles, known for its high contagion rate, spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be contracted via contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically arise 7 to 14 days following exposure and include high fevers, cough, runny noses, watery eyes, and rashes. Complications from the disease can lead to severe health issues, such as pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhea, and serious neurological problems.
To combat the outbreak and prevent further infections, health officials emphasize the critical importance of vaccination. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is known to provide a 97% effectiveness rate against measles after two doses. Typically, children receive the initial dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 to 15 months of age, followed by a second booster shot at ages 4 to 6. Adults born before 1957 are considered immune due to the likelihood that they were exposed to the virus during childhood.
As the situation evolves, residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed about the ongoing threat of measles and to ensure that vaccinations are up-to-date to protect themselves and their communities from further outbreaks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC News: Measles Outbreak in Utah and Arizona
- Wikipedia: Measles
- USA Today: Measles Cases and Outbreaks in the U.S.
- Google Search: Measles Outbreak
- Health Day: Measles Outbreak Spreads in Arizona and Utah
- Google Scholar: Measles Outbreak Arizona Utah
- Bloomberg: U.S. Measles Cases Hit 1,514
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Scripps News: Measles Outbreak Worsens Along Arizona-Utah Border
- Google News: Measles Outbreak
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
