Get the Facts: Measles cases are 3 times higher this year as vaccination rates fall

^{Susie Webb – Data Visualization Journalist}

^{Updated: 9:30 AM EDT Mar 10, 2025}

There are three times more measles cases this year than at the same time last year.

Already, measles has spread across nine states, with the majority of cases isolated in Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has reported 159 cases of the measles as of March 4. Most of the outbreak is in western Texas.

One school-aged child who was not vaccinated has died. It was the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015.

Later Thursday, the New Mexico Department of Health confirmed a resident who died tested positive for measles. The person, who officials said was unvaccinated, did not seek medical care.

The official cause of death is still to be determined by the state Office of the Medical Investigator.

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