# Measles outbreak spreads as 250 cases reported across multiple states

## Cases of highly contagious disease that has killed two reported in Pennsylvania, California and Oklahoma

The measles outbreak continues to spread in areas of west Texas and New Mexico and has now reached several other states, including , California and Oklahoma.

So far in 2025,  across multiple states, resulting in , including that of an  – the .

## Measles vaccine and side-effects

Measles is one of the most contagious human diseases and can . The most effective way to protect against measles is through the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the .

Receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine provides 97% effectiveness in preventing measles for life, per the , and one dose offers about 93% protection.

The CDC  that when over 95% of a community is vaccinated, the majority of individuals benefit from community immunity.

In Texas alone, 223 cases of measles have been reported since late January, according to the  there, leading to 29 hospitalizations. Notably, more than half of these cases involve children under 17 years of age.

Among those infected in Texas, the state government has reported that 80 individuals had not received the vaccine, 138 have an unknown vaccination status, and five have received at least one dose.

As of 6 March,  in , , , , , , , , , , and .

The first measles cases were  and , California.

In New Mexico, the department of health  and reported this week that the measles case count had , including a new case in Eddy county, the first reported outside of Lea county.

Most of the cases involve unvaccinated residents, the department said, and so far, one case has required hospitalization.

Last week, the CDC  that more measles cases “are expected as this outbreak continues to ”.

Measles was , meaning that the virus is not continuously spreading within the country, according to the CDC.

On Thursday, Dave Weldon, , who was Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the CDC, was set to  as part of the confirmation process.

But, just hours before, on Thursday morning, the White House decided to withdraw the nomination, .
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