News — Most Texas schools go on spring break this week, which could be a major issue compounding the ongoing measles outbreak in the western part of the state, said , an epidemiologist at the University of Delaware.
The outbreak, which has grown to more than 200 cases and claimed the life of a child last week, is likely to continue to grow as new cases are identified in both surrounding communities as well as other states, Horney said.
Horney, founding director of UD's , can also comment on vaccination of measles, which is one of the most highly contagious infectious diseases.
• Through maintenance of vaccination coverage of greater than 90%, the U.S. was able to gain eradication status in 2000.
• Although there have been sporadic cases, and even outbreaks, since then, worsening vaccine hesitancy has led to vaccination rates in some communities of 80% or lower.
• According to data, of 20 outbreaks involving three or more cases reported in the last five years, 40% were in 2024. With outbreaks currently in at least nine states in the U.S., 2025 looks to be a very bad year for measles infections.
Contact Horney or send an email to UD's Media Relations Team.
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