Measles Outbreak Worsens Among Children in Texas

A growing measles outbreak in Texas has led to 58 confirmed cases, primarily among school-aged children, according to state health officials.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been closely monitoring the outbreak, which was initially reported on February 5 and has continued to expand.

In the latest update, health authorities revealed that the infections have spread over the past three weeks. Among the affected individuals, 15 cases involve children aged four and younger, while 33 cases have been reported in kids between the ages of five and 17. Only six cases involve adults, with four cases still pending age confirmation.

Where Is Measles Spreading?

The majority of cases have been recorded in Gaines County, with 45 infections. Terry County has reported nine cases, while Yoakum County has confirmed two. Lubbock and Lynn counties each have one reported case.

The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed that 13 individuals have been hospitalized due to measles complications.

This outbreak is Texas’ most significant measles resurgence in nearly three decades. DSHS spokesperson Lara Anton noted that the majority of cases have emerged within a "close-knit, under vaccinated" Mennonite community, particularly among families whose children attend private religious schools or are homeschooled.

Meanwhile, New Mexico has also reported cases in Lea County, which shares a border with Gaines County. Officials stated that a family of five is currently in isolation, but none of them required hospitalization. Six of the infected individuals in New Mexico had not received a measles vaccine, according to health authorities.

Exposure sites in New Mexico include a grocery store, an elementary school, a church, Nor-Lea Hospital, and a Walgreens in Hobbs.

Thirteen of those infected in Texas have been hospitalized, with only four confirmed to have received vaccinations. The remaining individuals are either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown.

"Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and nearby communities," the DSHS reported on its website. "DSHS is collaborating with South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak."

The agency emphasized that the most effective preventive measure is receiving two doses of the measles vaccine, commonly administered as part of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization.

The resurgence of measles comes more than two decades after the disease was declared "eliminated" in the United States in 2000.

Measles spreads through direct contact with infected droplets or through airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person exits an area. Symptoms typically develop within one to two weeks and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

Within a few days, a red rash appears on the face before spreading down the body. Individuals with measles are most contagious from four days before to four days after the rash appears.

Anyone experiencing symptoms or believing they have been exposed to measles is advised to self-isolate and contact a healthcare provider before seeking in-person medical attention, according to the DSHS.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is considered highly safe and effective in preventing measles infections and severe complications.

The CDC recommends the first dose for children between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose between ages four and six. Public schools nationwide require this vaccination for kindergarten enrollment.

Before the measles vaccine became available in 1963, the U.S. recorded between 3 million and 4 million cases annually. Today, the number is usually fewer than 200 per year.

In communities where vaccination rates exceed 95%, measles transmission is significantly reduced through "herd immunity."

However, since the pandemic, childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide, with more parents seeking religious or personal belief exemptions from required immunizations.

The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including a Chicago outbreak that infected more than 60 people. In 2019, measles cases surged to their highest levels in nearly 30 years.

Gaines County has one of the highest opt-out rates for required childhood vaccinations in Texas, with nearly 14% of K-12 students declining at least one vaccine during the 2023-24 school year. The actual number is likely higher, as many homeschooled children are not included in official data.

Public health workers in Texas are conducting regular vaccination clinics and outreach programs. They are also collaborating with schools to educate communities on the importance of vaccination and offer immunization services.

In New Mexico, healthcare providers have been instructed to monitor and report any measles cases, while state officials are conducting contact tracing to alert potentially exposed individuals. The health department is also offering free vaccination clinics in Hobbs and Lovington this week.