A measles outbreak that began in early 2025, initially impacting Texas and spilling into New Mexico, became the largest in the U.S. since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. While Texas recorded 762 cases, New Mexico reported only 99 cases.
Officials attribute New Mexico's success to a significant surge in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. Statewide, MMR vaccine doses rose 55% from January to September compared to the previous year. Children's vaccinations increased by 18%, while adult vaccinations saw a remarkable 291% jump.
Health officials observed that vaccine dose numbers began exceeding previous year levels within two weeks of the outbreak declaration. In some areas, the identification of a first measles case triggered week-over-week vaccination increases as high as 83%.