Doc says measles outbreak public health ‘ticking time bomb’

By Michael Lee Simpson

A pediatrician says the measles outbreak sweeping through Texas and New Mexico is a "public health emergency" and a "ticking time bomb".

The U.S. has seen more than 300 cases so far this year, according to figures published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - the most infections reported nationwide in a single year since a record 2019 wave.

"While we haven’t yet seen neurological complications from this outbreak, with measles, it feels like a ticking time bomb," said Dr. Michael Glazier, chief medical officer at Bluebird Kids Health in Palm Beach County, Florida, said.

He shared the signs to look out for - and how parents can stop the infection rate from climbing even higher.

The outbreak has sparked concerns among medical professionals given that the disease was declared eliminated in the US in 2000 through widespread immunization.

Cases have mostly been reported in Texas and New Mexico - but also in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The resurgence of cases has raised alarms, particularly as it primarily affects individuals with unknown or no documented immunity.

Dr. Glazier, 55, describes the situation as frustrating, warning that gaps in immunization and vaccine hesitancy are fueling the spread, putting vulnerable populations at risk.

With two confirmed deaths and rising hospitalizations, he emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the highly contagious virus.

"This is a preventable disease in the U.S. If I were to talk to a parent about what measles looks like, it starts off like most viral infections," he explained.

"There’s typically a fever — maybe 101 or 102 degrees — a cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes, which are not necessarily distinguishable from any other flu-like illness.

"But then around day four, kids start to develop a rash that begins on the forehead and spreads down the trunk, chest, back, abdomen, arms, and legs."

Identifying measles in its early stages can be challenging, making the virus especially dangerous due to its extreme contagiousness.

"Measles is one of the most contagious infections we know. It has a 90% infectivity rate," Dr. Glazier said.

"If I had a classroom of 20 unvaccinated kids and someone with measles walked in, 18 of those kids would be exposed and infected.

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets — by inhaling airborne particles after someone sneezes — or even by touching contaminated surfaces, where it can survive for up to two hours."

Dr. Glazier attributes the outbreak to gaps in immunization.

"We eliminated measles in the U.S., but it has never been fully eradicated worldwide. International travel makes it difficult to prevent reintroductions," he explained.

"If the virus finds itself in a pocket of unvaccinated people, it spreads rapidly.

"And the most vulnerable individuals are those who cannot get vaccinated — like immunocompromised children, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and pregnant women."

Vaccine hesitancy has become a contributing factor to the resurgence of measles.

"There’s a lot of skepticism out there, and there’s nothing wrong with being skeptical," Dr. Glazier said.

"But it’s important to look at reputable sources and consult your physician or pediatrician."

"I’m a father of three, and all my daughters were immunized for measles because I knew it was safe and I understood the complications of measles.

"I did it for their health, for my extended family’s health, and for the community."

Beyond the immediate symptoms, measles can lead to serious complications.

"The number one reason kids and adults end up in the hospital is for respiratory complications, including pneumonia," he said.

"Measles also weakens the immune system, making patients more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections that may require oxygen or respiratory support.

"One in a thousand kids who get measles will develop neurological complications, including encephalitis — brain inflammation that can cause seizures."

A rare but devastating complication, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), can emerge years after a measles infection.

"It’s a progressive neurological disorder that causes cognitive decline, seizures, and eventually death. It’s rare, but if it happens to your child, statistics don’t matter," Dr. Glazier noted.

The outbreak, which started in Texas, has already resulted in two measles-related deaths - the first in the U.S. in a decade.

"Several children were hospitalized for pneumonia and required oxygen support," he said.

"While we haven’t yet seen neurological complications from this outbreak, with measles, it feels like a ticking time bomb," he added.

Dr. Glazier emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing measles.

"The measles vaccine works," he stated.

"One dose provides 93 to 95% protection, and the booster raises that to 97%. Before the vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, we had millions of measles cases annually.

"Now, we have a couple hundred cases in 2025, but that’s still concerning. Because measles hasn’t been prevalent, people have become complacent."

His message to parents and individuals uncertain about vaccines is clear.

"Talk to your doctor, make sure you’re vaccinated, and if you’re not, get vaccinated.

"Measles is not always benign, and the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community is through immunization."