TEXAS – The measles outbreak in Texas is escalating, with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reporting dozens of new cases since Tuesday. The highest concentration remains in West Texas, particularly in Gaines County, which has been the epicenter of the outbreak.
Latest Developments
In an update on Friday, state health officials confirmed 36 additional cases of measles, bringing the total number of cases since late January to 259.
Of the newly reported cases, 18 occurred in Gaines County, reinforcing its status as the outbreak’s hotspot. Additionally, Cochran County reported six new cases, and Lamar County reported four.
Tragically, one school-aged child has died from complications related to measles, and 34 patients have been hospitalized, an increase of five since Tuesday.
Expert Warnings and Public Health Concerns
Health professionals warn that the true number of cases may be even higher.
“There’s a very good chance that many people in affected communities are sick with measles but remain undiagnosed because they haven’t been tested,” said Dr. Donald Karcher, president of the College of American Pathologists.
Measles is highly contagious. Dr. Ben Bradley, a virologist and microbiologist, emphasized its transmission risk:
“If a person with measles enters a room with ten others, nine of them are likely to become infected.”
The disease also poses long-term health risks. Research suggests that after a measles infection, a person’s immune system may weaken, making them more susceptible to other diseases.
“Children who recover from measles may have reduced immunity to viruses and bacteria they were previously vaccinated against,” Dr. Bradley explained. In rare cases, measles can lead to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal neurological disorder that can emerge years after infection.
Scope of the Outbreak
This is the largest measles outbreak in Texas in the past 30 years. Cases have been reported in multiple counties across the state:
Total Cases by County
- Gaines County – 174
- Terry County – 36
- Yoakum County – 11
- Dawson County – 11
- Dallam County – 6
- Cochran County – 6
- Lamar County – 4
- Lubbock County – 4
- Martin County – 3
- Ector County – 2
- Lynn County – 2
Cases by Age Group
- 0-4 years – 86 cases
- 5-17 years – 115 cases
- 18+ years – 46 cases
- Unknown – 12 cases
Vaccination Status of Patients
- Unvaccinated or unknown status – 257
- Vaccinated with two doses – 2
Recent updates clarified that three cases previously classified as “vaccinated” were reclassified as unvaccinated. In two cases, patients had received the vaccine just days before showing symptoms—too soon for immunity to develop. A third case involved a vaccine reaction in Lubbock County, which was ultimately removed from the case count.
Measles: What You Need to Know
What Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through direct contact with respiratory droplets or through the air. The virus can remain infectious for up to two hours in a space after an infected person leaves.
Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure and typically include:
- High fever (up to 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- A red rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
A person with measles is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears.
How to Protect Yourself
The best protection against measles is vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective when two doses are administered.
While some vaccinated individuals may still contract measles, their symptoms tend to be milder, and they are less likely to spread the virus.
What to Do If You’ve Been Exposed
If you suspect you have measles or have been exposed:
- Isolate immediately to prevent spreading the virus.
- Call your healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital to avoid exposing others.
- Check your vaccination history to ensure you’re protected.
Containing the Outbreak
Health officials stress that controlling the outbreak requires at least 95% of a community’s population to be fully vaccinated.
To curb further spread, Texas schools and childcare facilities must exclude unvaccinated students for at least 21 days following exposure, per state health regulations.
The Texas Department of State Health Services will continue providing updates on the outbreak every Tuesday and Friday.