West Texas Measles Outbreak Highlights Hospitalizations Among the Unvaccinated

From Jan 20–Mar 18, 2025, a West Texas measles outbreak yielded 325 confirmed cases and 60 hospitalizations (18.5%). Among 54 hospitalized patients with records, all were unvaccinated or vaccination status unknown; most were children aged 0–4. Pneumonia occurred in 72%, dehydration in 46%, and co-infections in about 31%. About 70% required supplemental oxygen, 7% were admitted to ICU, and there was one death. The findings reinforce the protective value of measles vaccination (1 dose ~93%, 2 doses ~97%) and the need for high community vaccination coverage to prevent hospitalization. Limitations include regional scope and possible underreporting.