Texas Measles Update
Feb 26, 2025 01:08PM ● By Alyssa Cantu
As of February 26, 2025, West Texas is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, with 124 confirmed cases across nine counties, primarily in the South Plains region.
The outbreak has resulted in the first measles-related death in the U.S. since 2015, involving an unvaccinated child in Lubbock.Key Details:
Affected Counties: The outbreak has spread across several counties, including Dallam, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Terry, and Yoakum.
Age Groups: The majority of cases involve children and teenagers, with 39 cases in children aged 0-4 years, 62 in those aged 5-17 years, and 18 in individuals aged 18 and above.
Hospitalizations: Eighteen patients have been hospitalized, highlighting the severity of the outbreak.
Vaccination Status: Of the 124 cases, five individuals were vaccinated, while the rest were unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.
Contributing Factors:
Declining Vaccination Rates: Post-COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates have declined, particularly below the 95% threshold needed to prevent measles outbreaks.
Community Exemptions: Certain communities, such as the Mennonite community in Gaines County, have lower vaccination rates due to religious beliefs, contributing to the spread.
Health Recommendations:
Vaccination: Health officials urge individuals, especially children, to receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.
Monitoring Symptoms: Individuals who believe they have been exposed should monitor for symptoms and consult healthcare providers if necessary.
Public Health Measures: The Texas Department of State Health Services is deploying epidemiologists, immunization teams, and specimen collection teams to affected areas to control the outbreak.
For the most current information and guidance, residents are advised to consult local health departments and the Texas Department of State Health Services.