A measles outbreak in West Texas is on the rise, with health officials doing their best to keep the highly contagious disease in check.

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, as of Tuesday, there have been 422 confirmed cases in the state since late January, with 42 of those cases leading to hospitalization. Just a month ago, Texas was reporting only 146 measles cases.

So if you’re wondering what is the ratio of vaccinated people having measles vs unvaccinated ones, we will discuss it in detail in this article. 

Measles Outbreak: Vaccinated vs Unvaccinated

The recent measles outbreak in Texas has really brought to light the stark differences between those who are vaccinated and those who aren’t. 

As of April 1, 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 422 cases, mostly concentrated in the South Plains and Panhandle areas. 

It’s important to note that nearly all of these cases involve people who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status remains unclear.

This trend aligns with what we see on a national level. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 97% of measles cases across the country are linked to unvaccinated people or those whose vaccination status is unclear.

These statistics highlight just how vital vaccinations are in stopping measles, which is an incredibly contagious illness. 

Health officials are consistently stressing the significance of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which boasts a 97% effectiveness rate when you get two doses, in helping to control the virus’s spread.

Credit: ChatGPT

Vaccinated vs Unvaccinated: Key Differences

The current measles outbreak in Texas has highlighted the significant differences in vulnerability to this highly contagious disease between those who are vaccinated and those who aren’t.

Unvaccinated Individuals

• Majority of Cases: The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that a staggering number of the 422 confirmed measles cases as of April 1, 2025, involve unvaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status is unknown.
• Higher Risk of Complications: Those who are unvaccinated are at a much higher risk for severe symptoms, complications like pneumonia or encephalitis, and even death. Tragically, one unvaccinated child has lost their life during this outbreak.
• Cause of Spread: Experts indicate that the outbreak is fueled by areas of vaccine hesitancy, where lower immunization rates have allowed the virus to spread unchecked.

Vaccinated Individuals

• High Protection Rate: Individuals who have received the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine—especially those who have completed the recommended two doses—enjoy about 97% protection against measles.
• Breakthrough Cases Are Rare: In the Texas outbreak, there have been very few, if any, confirmed cases of measles among fully vaccinated individuals. When breakthrough cases do happen, the symptoms are generally milder.
• Community Protection: Widespread vaccination is crucial for maintaining herd immunity, which safeguards vulnerable groups like infants and those with compromised immune systems who cannot be vaccinated.

Let’s make this more precise with an infographic:

Measles Outbreak: Get Vaccinated, Stay Fit

The ongoing measles outbreak is a strong reminder of just how important vaccinations are for our public health. The clear difference between those who are vaccinated and those who aren’t—where most cases are found among the unvaccinated—really shows how effective the MMR vaccine is at preventing both infection and serious complications. 

Measles is incredibly contagious, but the good news is that it’s also very preventable. To stop the spread and protect our most vulnerable community members, we need to boost vaccination efforts, tackle misinformation, and ensure that everyone is immune. When it comes to fighting measles, vaccines are definitely our best defense.