Saturday, October 4, 2025

Texas Measles Outbreak

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Measles Outbreak in Texas Rises to 48 Cases

State’s Worst in Nearly 30 Years

The ongoing measles outbreak in West Texas has doubled in size to 48 cases, mostly in children and teens, making it the state’s worst in nearly 30 years. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, those who are infected are either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. Thirteen people have been hospitalized.

Concentrated in Undervaccinated Community

The cases have been concentrated in a “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community. Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton explained that many of the families in this community send their children to small private schools or are homeschooled. Anton stated, “The church isn’t the reason that they’re not vaccinated. It’s all personal choice and you can do whatever you want. It’s just that the community doesn’t go and get regular health care.”

State and Local Efforts to Contain Outbreak

The state is working with local health officials to increase screening and vaccination efforts. Health officials are also working to educate school officials on identifying measles symptoms and encouraging families to vaccinate their kids. Anton emphasized, “It’s not just about the church; it’s about the community as a whole. We need to make sure everyone is aware of the risks and is taking steps to prevent the spread of the disease.”

Outbreak Spreads to Nearby Counties

The outbreak is in a sparsely populated swath of rural Texas, near the New Mexico border, and has spread from its epicenter in Gaines County to include single-digit cases in Lynn, Terry, and Yoakum counties. One case was reported in Lea County, New Mexico, where residents were alerted Tuesday to a measles case in an unvaccinated teenager. The New Mexico Department of Health stated that the teen had no recent travel or exposure to known cases from the Texas outbreak.

Historical Context

According to Texas Department of State Health Services data, there were 49 cases of measles in Texas in 1996. In 2013, there were 27 cases reported after a person who traveled to Asia returned and interacted with a vaccine-hesitant community.

Measles: A Highly Contagious Virus

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963, the U.S. saw some 3 million to 4 million cases per year. Now, it’s usually fewer than 200 in a normal year.

Rise in Measles Cases Nationwide

The U.S. saw a rise in measles cases in 2024, including an outbreak in Chicago that sickened more than 60. Vaccination against measles, a two-shot series, is required for most U.S. kindergarteners in order to enroll in public school.

Vaccination Exemptions

Texas law allows children to get an exemption from school vaccines for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. The percentage of kids with exemptions has risen over the last decade from 0.76% in 2014 to 2.32% last year, according to state data. Gaines County has one of the highest rates in Texas of school-aged children who opt out of at least one required vaccine, with nearly 14% of K-12 children in the 2023-24 school year. Health officials say that number is likely higher because it doesn’t include many children who are homeschooled and whose data would not be reported.

Conclusion

The measles outbreak in West Texas is a concerning reminder of the importance of vaccination. As the virus continues to spread, it is crucial for families to take steps to protect themselves and their children from this highly contagious disease.

FAQs

* What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can survive in the air for up to two hours. Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed.
* How many cases of measles have been reported in Texas?
As of [current date], there have been 48 reported cases of measles in Texas, making it the state’s worst outbreak in nearly 30 years.
* What is the source of the outbreak?
The outbreak is concentrated in a “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community.
* What is being done to contain the outbreak?
The state is working with local health officials to increase screening and vaccination efforts, as well as educating school officials on identifying measles symptoms and encouraging families to vaccinate their kids.

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