Texas measles cases hit 561: Here's how it spreads and how to stay safe

Measles, once considered nearly eliminated in many parts of the world, has made a disturbing comeback in recent years. The situation is particularly concerning in places like Texas, where 561 confirmed cases have already been reported this year.

"At this time, 561 cases have been confirmed since late January. This is an increase of 20 since the April 11 update," Texas Health and Human Services said on Tuesday. It added that so far since the outbreak was identified a total of 58 people have been hospitalized. "Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities," it has warned.

So, the big question here is why is measles contagious? How does it spread? Who is at risk? and most importantly how to stay safe?

Measles virus lingers in the air for up to 2 hours!
Measles is caused by the measles virus, a member of the paramyxovirus family. It's transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Unlike some illnesses that require close contact, measles is alarmingly contagious—up to 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected.

What makes it particularly tricky is that the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. That means you don’t even need to be in direct contact with an infected person to catch the virus. Simply entering a room where someone with measles had been recently can be enough.

The infectious period starts a few days before the characteristic rash appears, which complicates efforts to contain the virus. A person with measles is contagious about four days before and four days after the rash develops. During this time, they may only show mild symptoms like fever, cough, or conjunctivitis—making it easy to mistake measles for a regular viral illness. As a result, people can unknowingly transmit the virus to others before realizing they are infected.

Large gatherings, schools, airports, and other public places act as hotspots for transmission, especially during outbreaks. Measles doesn’t need a crowd to spread, but crowded environments amplify its reach. Children under five, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe complications if they contract the disease. These include pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and in rare cases, death. That's why it’s not just about personal risk—unvaccinated individuals also endanger vulnerable populations around them.

More than 90% of the unvaccinated individuals can get measles
The most effective way to protect yourself from measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is typically administered in two doses during childhood. One dose is about 93% effective, while two doses increase the effectiveness to about 97%. In communities where vaccination coverage is high, outbreaks are rare and generally containable. However, when vaccination rates dip below the threshold needed for herd immunity (usually around 95%), the virus finds opportunities to spread. That's exactly what's happening in parts of the U.S. today, where vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have led to growing pockets of vulnerability.

How to stay safe during an outbreak?
For adults who are unsure about their vaccination status, it's a good idea to check your medical records or consult your healthcare provider. Some adults who received the vaccine in the 1960s may need a booster if the version they got was less effective. Also, anyone planning to travel internationally should ensure they are up to date with their MMR shots, as measles remains common in many countries and international travel continues to be a major driver of imported cases.

During an outbreak, minimizing exposure becomes just as important as vaccination. Avoiding crowded areas, staying home if you’re sick, and practicing good hygiene can reduce the chances of spreading the virus. If someone in your household contracts measles, isolation is necessary to prevent further transmission. This includes staying out of school, work, and public spaces until at least four days after the rash appears. Family members should also monitor for symptoms like fever, runny nose, cough, and red eyes, especially if they are unvaccinated or have a weakened immune system.

Nutrition and general health maintenance also play supporting roles in how well the body responds to infections. While a healthy lifestyle won’t prevent measles if you’re unvaccinated, maintaining a robust immune system can aid recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Vitamin A, in particular, has been shown to reduce the severity of measles in children. In some cases, doctors may administer high doses of vitamin A to kids who contract the virus, especially in regions where malnutrition is prevalent.

Measles is far more than just a childhood illness—it’s a serious, highly contagious disease that can have life-threatening complications. It spreads through respiratory droplets, lingering in the air and on surfaces long after the infected person is gone. The best defense is still vaccination, both for individual protection and community-wide immunity. During outbreaks, quick response, isolation of infected individuals, and strict hygiene practices are essential in curbing the virus’s spread.