TEXAS – The measles outbreak in Texas continues to grow, with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reporting a total of 561 cases since January. The outbreak, primarily centered in West Texas, is now one of the largest in recent state history.
Latest Developments
On Tuesday, state officials confirmed 20 new cases, with Gaines County once again reporting the highest number—nine additional cases, bringing its total to 364, which accounts for nearly 65% of all reported cases statewide. One new case was also confirmed in Reeves County.
Health authorities estimate that fewer than 25 of the current cases are “actively infectious,” as the majority of patients are beyond the contagious period (typically four days after rash onset).
Counties Identified as Outbreak Zones
As of last Friday, the following counties have been designated as outbreak zones:
- Cochran
- Dallam
- Dawson
- Gaines
- Garza
- Lynn
- Lamar
- Lubbock
- Terry
- Yoakum
Hospitalizations and Fatalities
Since the outbreak began, 58 individuals have been hospitalized. Tragically, two school-aged children have died due to complications from measles. Both children were unvaccinated and had no known underlying health conditions.
Vaccination Status
- 550 individuals were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
- 4 had received one dose of the vaccine.
- 7 were fully vaccinated with two or more doses.
Case Distribution by County
- Gaines County: 364
- Terry County: 47
- Lubbock County: 41
- Dawson County: 21
- Yoakum County: 18
- Cochran County: 12
- Lamar County: 11
- Additional cases have been reported in 16 other counties, including El Paso, Midland, and Randall.
Cases by Age Group
- 0–4 years: 175 cases
- 5–17 years: 206 cases
- 18+: 156 cases
- Unknown: 24 cases
Additional Cases Not Linked to the Outbreak
Separate from the West Texas outbreak, isolated measles cases have been reported in:
- Harris County: 4
- Fort Bend County: 1
- Rockwall County: 1
- Travis County: 1
Most of these cases have been linked to international travel and are not considered part of the current outbreak.
Understanding Measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or via the airborne route when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the area.
Symptoms typically appear in two stages:
- Initial symptoms (7–14 days after exposure):
- High fever (up to 105°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth
- Rash onset (3–5 days later):
- Red, flat rash that begins on the face and spreads down the body
Infectious Period: People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Prevention and Protection
The most effective protection against measles is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella). Two doses of the MMR vaccine offer strong protection, significantly reducing the risk of infection and limiting the severity and spread of the disease in rare breakthrough cases.
What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed
If you believe you’ve been exposed or are experiencing symptoms:
- Isolate immediately
- Call your healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital
- Review your vaccination history, and consult your provider if you’re unsure about your immunity
Managing Outbreaks in Schools and Group Settings
According to the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Rule §97.7, schools and childcare facilities must:
- Exclude unvaccinated children from attending for at least 21 days following exposure to a confirmed measles case.
- Ensure individuals with confirmed or suspected measles remain at home until four days after rash onset.
Next Update
DSHS will continue to provide updates on the outbreak every Tuesday and Friday.