Measles: A Highly Contagious Virus Simmers to the South (posted March 5, 2025)

By Adam Behnke, BCPH Communications Specialist 

An outbreak of the measles in Texas has turned deadly as we head into spring break season and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft to bring people from all over the country to the Green Bay area in April. It’s a looming public health threat that highlights the crucial importance of prevention; namely the safe and highly protective vaccine given to children that guards against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) all at the same time. Today’s edition of the Healthy Herald will explore what's known about the measles, how health leaders are reacting to the Texas outbreak, and what can be done locally to protect yourself and the people you care about.

Measles 101 

Once believed to be nearly eradicated in many parts of the world, measles has resurged in recent years and sparked renewed public health concerns. The measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe rash illness that is not seasonal, unlike influenza. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says measles often spreads during times of high travel, like spring break, or when unvaccinated people are in close quarters, like summer camp.   
 
The measles virus infects the lungs and other parts used by a person to breathe, like the nose, mouth and throat.  
 
Anyone can contract measles, but it most commonly affects children. Experts say the groups at most risk for serious complications include:   

• Children aged five and under  
• Adults aged 20 and over  
• People who are pregnant  
• People with immunocompromised health 

Unvaccinated children are particularly susceptible and should avoid exposure. The CDC reports one out of every five children who contract measles will be hospitalized, and children infected with measles are at risk of pneumonia and death.  
 
Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It is followed by a rash that starts at the face or hairline, moves to the arms and legs, and spreads over the body three to five days after the other symptoms begin. 

Someone who is infected with the disease caused by measles can spread it to other people before they notice any symptoms, especially in the four days before and after a rash develops. Data shows that unvaccinated people have a 90% likelihood of contracting measles if exposed. Unvaccinated children who have not previously been infected are more likely to get infected. Fortunately, national data shows the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. Individuals who have received the full series of MMR vaccines are 97% protected and unlikely to contract measles. Better still, it only takes a few days for antibodies to build up in response to the MMR vaccine, and most people’s immune systems have fully prepared for the virus within two to three weeks of the vaccine.  
 
Prevention is key against the measles because there are no treatments for the virus. You can hydrate, rest, avoid harsh lights and take fever-reducing or pain-relieving medication while you isolate away from others to prevent spreading infection. Due to how easily the measles can spread, it’s vital to stay home and away from others and call your health care provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles. 
U.S. Cases in 2025 

At the time this article was published, The CDC listed 164 cases of the measles in the U.S. in 2025. One hundred and forty-six cases are from an outbreak in rural West Texas, with 8 other jurisdictions (7 states and New York City) each reporting between 1 and 9 cases. In Texas, the majority of cases are concentrated in a “close-knit, undervaccinated” community. However, cases have expanded beyond this group. One week ago, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first death resulting from the outbreak. The victim was a child who had tested positive for measles and who was not vaccinated against the disease. All told, the CDC reports 95% of this year’s measles cases are contracted by people who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. Twenty percent of all cases this year have resulted in hospitalization.
Response to the Texas Outbreak 

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the nation’s new Health and Human Services Secretary, recognized the serious impact the outbreak had on families, children, and health care workers. On Sunday, March 2, Kennedy published an opinion piece for Fox News that called the MMR vaccine “crucial” to avoiding potentially deadly disease. He also touted recent CDC guidance that encouraged the use of vitamin A under a doctor’s supervision in cases with mild, moderate and severe infection. Kennedy pointed to studies that found vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality. 

• If you were born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968, getting another MMR vaccine dose is a good idea. Experts say people in that group received an older vaccine with an inactivated virus that doesn’t work as well.  
  • If you still need an MMR vaccine as an adult, health officials say one dose is usually sufficient.  
• Reconsider travel to West Texas, especially if you have a baby under 12 months, because they have no protection against measles. Stay up to date on the most recent travel advisories.  
• Get any unvaccinated children 12 months or older started on the MMR vaccine as soon as you can. It is safe, 97-percent effective (after two doses), and the only way to prevent measles.  
  • The CDC recommends that all children get 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age.  

• Uninsured 
• Medicaid eligible 
• American Indian or Alaska Native 

You can make an appointment for an upcoming children’s vaccine clinic by CLICKING HERE. 

If your child is covered by health insurance, please visit your primary care provider for vaccinations.    
 
Children who are underinsured (have health insurance, but the coverage does not include vaccines) are not eligible for vaccines through Brown County Public Health. Those children may qualify through a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or a Rural Health Center. The FQHC in Brown County is the N.E.W. Community Clinic, which can be reached by calling 920-437-7206.

Conclusion 

The outbreak of measles in Texas is a prime example of how quickly public health achievements can be undone by an aggressively contagious virus, complacency, and misinformation. Once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, the measles CAN be eliminated again. But such an achievement requires sustained buy-in across the political spectrum, collaboration across sectors, and renewed public trust in evidence-based science. Major accomplishments like community immunity can be achieved if we work together. One case at a time. One vaccination at a time. One blog post at a time.

Stay Healthy, Brown County! 

Resources 

CDC information about measles  
 
Public Health Communications Collaborative on measles  
 
Associated Press story on Texas measles outbreak
 
RFK Jr. opinion piece on Fox News
 
CDC statement on measles outbreak
 
International Journal of Epidemiology
  
NBC News article about Texas measles outbreak

CDC travel notices about measles
 
Wisconsin Immunization Registry data