As of Feb. 20, there were a total of 93 measles cases reported in eight states: Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For comparison, 285 cases were reported in the U.S. in 2024.

With a large, high-profile measles outbreak in West Texas, declining childhood vaccination rates, and the appointment of a vocal vaccine skeptic to America’s top health post, should schools brace for a possible resurgence of once-eradicated diseases?

The outbreak is primarily affecting West Texas, but officials in San Antonio, New Braunfels and San Marcos are monitoring cases after an infected person recently visited the area, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.