Measles, a disease once declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, is making a troubling comeback. Texas, a state with historically strong vaccination programs, now faces multiple outbreaks linked to declining immunization rates and the spread of vaccine misinformation. This article breaks down why measles is resurfacing, its dangers, and how public figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) are shaping the conversation around vaccines.
What Is Measles, and Why Should We Care?
Measles isn’t just a “childhood rash.” It’s a highly contagious virus spread through coughing, sneezing, or even breathing near an infected person. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and the telltale red rash. Complications can be severe: 1 in 5 unvaccinated people are hospitalized, and measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), or death.
Before vaccines, measles killed 2.6 million people globally each year. Widespread use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine reduced U.S. cases by 99%, but recent trends are reversing this progress.
Texas: A Hotspot for Measles Outbreaks
In early 2025, Texas reported over 50 measles cases across three counties, the largest outbreak in a decade. Most cases occurred in unvaccinated children under 12. Public health officials traced the outbreaks to communities with vaccination rates below the 95% threshold needed for “herd immunity” — the protection offered when enough people are immune to stop a disease’s spread.
Why Texas?
- Exemption Rates: Texas allows non-medical exemptions (religious/philosophical) for school vaccines. In 2024, 5% of kindergarteners opted out, up from 2% in 2019.
- Pandemic Backsliding: Routine childhood vaccinations dropped during COVID-19. CDC data shows Texas MMR coverage for toddlers fell to 89% in 2023.
- Global Travel: Measles remains common in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Unvaccinated travelers can bring it back, sparking outbreaks.
The RFK Jr. Factor: How Misinformation Fuels Vaccine Hesitancy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and prominent vaccine skeptic, has repeatedly claimed — without evidence — that vaccines like the MMR are linked to autism and chronic illnesses. His nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense, has targeted Texas communities with anti-vaccine messaging, amplifying fears among parents.
The Impact of Misinformation
- A 2025 University of Texas poll found 30% of parents distrust vaccine safety, up from 18% in 2020.
- RFK Jr.’s rallies and social media campaigns often cite debunked studies, such as Andrew Wakefield’s fraudulent 1998 paper linking MMR to autism.
Experts Push Back
Dr. Peter Hotez, a Baylor College of Medicine virologist, calls measles outbreaks “a vaccine-preventable tragedy.” He emphasizes:
“The MMR vaccine is one of the safest medical products ever made. Decades of research involving millions of children confirm its safety and effectiveness.”
Case Study: A Family’s Brush with Measles
In Fort Worth, the Ramirez family’s 4-year-old son, Luca, contracted measles after attending a playgroup with an unvaccinated child. Luca spent a week hospitalized with pneumonia. His mother, Maria, shared:
“We thought measles was gone. Now I tell every parent: Vaccinate your kids. This disease is ruthless.”
Stories like Luca’s underscore the human cost of vaccine hesitancy.
The Ripple Effect of Falling Vaccination Rates
When vaccination rates drop, everyone is at risk:
- Infants: Babies can’t receive the MMR vaccine until 12 months. They rely on herd immunity.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: Cancer patients or those with autoimmune diseases may not respond to vaccines.
- Economic Costs: A 2024 study estimated a single measles case costs $32,000 in medical care and containment efforts.
Debunking Common Myths About Measles Vaccines
Myth 1: “Natural immunity is better.”
Fact: Measles infection can weaken the immune system for years, increasing susceptibility to other illnesses. Vaccines provide safer immunity.
Myth 2: “Vaccines cause autism.”
Fact: Over 50 studies involving 15 million children disprove this claim. The original study was retracted and deemed fraudulent.
Myth 3: “Too many vaccines overwhelm kids’ systems.”
Fact: Children’s immune systems handle thousands of germs daily. Vaccines use tiny, harmless pieces of viruses to build protection.
How Texas Is Responding to the Crisis
- School Vaccine Audits: Health officials now require schools to publicly report exemption rates.
- Community Education: Mobile clinics and bilingual campaigns aim to rebuild trust in vaccines.
- Cracking Down on Misinformation: A 2025 state law penalizes healthcare workers for spreading false claims about vaccines.
Protecting Your Family: What You Can Do
- Check Vaccination Records: Ensure kids receive two MMR doses (first at 12–15 months, second at 4–6 years).
- Talk to Pediatricians: Address concerns with a trusted doctor, not social media.
- Support Herd Immunity: Advocate for vaccines in schools and workplaces.
The Bigger Picture: A National Warning
Texas isn’t alone. Measles outbreaks have occurred in Florida, Ohio, and Minnesota. Globally, cases rose 43% in 2024. As Dr. Rochelle Walensky, former CDC director, warns:
“Measles is the canary in the coal mine. Outbreaks signal gaps in our public health armor.”