Measles parties echo chicken pox parties from decades ago, when people would deliberately expose themselves or others to someone with a confirmed case in an attempt to spread the virus in a controlled environment. The chicken pox vaccine was introduced to the public in 1995, largely ending the practice.

Measles was considered to be eliminted in the U.S. in 2000, thanks to vaccine developments. But vaccination rates have dropped since the covid pandemic began.

TEXAS - A measles outbreak in Texas' South Plains region continues to spread. In the last three weeks, 58 cases of measles have been identified across five counties, sending 13 patients to the hospital, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. There have been 10 new cases reported since Feb. 14.