One hundred fifty-nine cases of measles had been reported in Texas as of Friday, and thousands more children are believed to be potentially exposed. More than 20 patients have been hospitalized.

The state has now begun surveying pediatric bed and ICU availability. Once admitted, children often require IV fluids and sometimes ventilator support to breathe. Tragically, an unvaccinated child and an adult from New Mexico have died.

The spread in Texas isn’t an isolated event. Cases have also surfaced in Alaska, California, New Mexico, New York City, Georgia, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Concern that reports will continue to grow is rising.

It’s especially worrisome considering that the measles virus was completely eliminated in the U.S. as recently as the year 2000. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributed this achievement to a “highly effective vaccine program in the United States, as well as better measles control in the Americas region.”

Measles cases have increased since the pandemic, and experts say a reduction in childhood vaccinations is to blame. 285 cases were reported in 2024. Only a week into March 2025, reports have already reached over half that number in Texas alone.

The U.S., which was considered a world leader in public health, has lost decades of progress in preventing the spread of a deadly........

© The Hill