The largest measles outbreak in the United States is officially over, health officials say

The measles outbreak in Texas is officially over.

In a press release on Monday, the Department of Health Services of the State of Texas (DSHS) reported the end of the outbreak, which focused on western Texas.

The announcement was made after no new cases were reported for more than 42 days in counties that had shown evidence of ongoing transmission.

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As of August 18, a total of 762 measles cases in Texas have been confirmed since the outbreak began at the end of January.

One of the first cases was in Gaines County, where a total of 414 infections were reported.

The virus has spread throughout the US for 2025, marking a total of 1,356 confirmed cases in the country from August 5, according to CDC.

More than two thirds of Texas cases affected school -age children. A total of 99 people were hospitalized and two children died.

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In a statement, the DSHS Jennifer A. Shuford commissioner, MD, highlighted the “tireless work” of public health professionals in Texas, who “contributed to the containment of one of the most contagious viruses.”

“We arrived at this point through a comprehensive outbreak response that included tests, vaccination, disease monitoring and educating the public about measles through awareness campaigns,” Shuford added.

“I also want to recognize the many health professionals who identified and treated cases of a virus that most suppliers had never seen in person before this outbreak.”

Potential risks remain

Forty -two days are twice as an incubation period of the disease, according to DSHS, so experts consider the outbreak.

But the threat of measles still looms, since there are ongoing outbreaks in North America and other areas of the world, which “will probably” lead to additional measles cases in Texas this year.

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“Medical care suppliers must remain attentive and try measles if your patient has symptoms compatible with the virus,” DSHS wrote in a press release.

“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which can cause a potentially deadly disease to anyone who is not protected against the virus.”

Around one in five children who get sick will require hospitalization during a measles outbreak, and one in 20 will develop pneumonia, according to state health officials.

In rare cases, measles can lead to swelling and death of the brain, as well as to the complications of pregnancy.

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The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination, according to the DSH guide and other public health experts.

This includes two doses of an immunization containing sarampos, managed mainly as the MMR vaccine.

“It is a factor of several times more contagious,” he said, and pointed out that an infected person can affect about 10 to 15 people.

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To protect against infection, Whyte emphasized the need to be aware of its environment and use a mask in areas where cases have been detected.

He also recommended practicing “good handwashing” after touching the surfaces, as well as keeping the surfaces clean, since virus drops can stick and spread when the contact is made.