Measles Outbreak in West Texas and Neighboring States
As the measles outbreak continues in West Texas and two neighboring states, The Dallas Morning News will keep this page updated with information on confirmed cases.
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Friday that there have been 541 confirmed cases since the outbreak began in January. The state estimates fewer than 30 of those people are actively infectious.
Those counts do not include six measles cases that have not been linked to the outbreak.
The state provides updates online on Tuesdays and Fridays.
D-FW Public Health Alerts
Understanding the Outbreak
The outbreak is a significant public health concern, and it’s essential to understand the situation to take necessary precautions.
Related: ‘This is preventable’: What a Cook Children’s doctor wants us to know about measles
Number of People Affected
Of the 541 cases, 56 people — or 10.4% — have been hospitalized since the start of the outbreak.
One child died in February. That was the first measles death reported in the U.S. in a decade.
On April 6, it was reported that a second child had died from measles in the outbreak.
Both children were unvaccinated and did not have underlying health conditions.
Related: Parents of Texas child who died in measles outbreak say no to vaccine: ‘God does no wrong’
Measles Transmission and Symptoms
Here’s a closer look at the ages of infected people and their vaccination statuses.
A person who has measles is infectious four days before and four days after the onset of a rash, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Measles is considered one of the most contagious viruses in the world. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even breathes. Particles can linger in a room up to two hours after an infected person has gone.
One infected person can spread measles to between 12 and 18 unvaccinated people. It’s more transmissible than influenza and COVID-19.
Related: As the measles outbreak grows in Texas, what makes the virus so contagious?
Location of the Outbreak
The outbreak is primarily in the western part of the state. As of the state’s Friday update, the following counties have ongoing measles transmission: Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Lubbock, Terry and Yoakum.
The outbreak began in a Mennonite community in Gaines County and has spread mostly through unvaccinated residents.
Additional cases linked to the Texas outbreak have since been identified in New Mexico and Oklahoma. New Mexico has reported one adult death in connection with the outbreak.
Related: Texas measles outbreak could last 12 months, experts say, risking U.S. elimination status
Possible Spread to Other Areas
So far, the outbreak has not led to any confirmed cases in Dallas-Fort Worth, according to Department of State Health Services reports. (A measles case reported in Rockwall County in late February is believed to be separate from the current outbreak.)
But health experts say it’s possible it could spread to other parts of the state, including the D-FW area. That depends on travel and vaccination.
Related: Map: These Texas schools have low measles vaccination rates
Video: Cook Children’s doctor on what to know about measles
Suzanne Whitworth, M.D., Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Cooks Children’s talks about measles March 10, 2025 in Fort Worth.
Historical Context of Measles in Texas
Measles became a nationally notifiable disease in 1912, which meant all health care providers and labs were required to report all diagnosed cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the first decade of reporting, 6,000 cases were reported annually on average.
In the 1950s, an estimated 3 million to 4 million people in the U.S. got measles every year.
Related: Vitamin A? Cod liver oil? Experts say there’s no replacement for measles vaccination
Vaccination and Prevention
A vaccine became available in 1963. It was a single-dose vaccine until a 1989 outbreak among vaccinated school-age children led to health officials to begin recommending a second dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
Since the early 1990s, it’s been standard to administer the MMR vaccine in two doses. The first dose, given between 12 months and 15 months of age, is 93% effective in preventing measles infection; a second dose between ages 4 and 6 boosts that effectiveness to 97%.
Related: Measles breakthrough infections are possible even among the vaccinated. Here’s why
Conclusion
The measles outbreak in West Texas and neighboring states is a significant public health concern. It’s essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
While immunity is typically lifelong, people who received an early iteration of the MMR vaccine may want to consider getting another shot. CDC officials recommend anyone vaccinated before 1968 with the inactivated measles vaccine or other measles vaccine to get revaccinated.
Measles was declared eliminated nationally in 2000, with the leading factor being an effective vaccination program. But as vaccination rates have dipped nationwide, states across the country have seen outbreaks.
Related: As the measles outbreak continues in Texas, should some adults get revaccinated?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of the measles outbreak in Texas?
A: There have been 541 confirmed cases of measles in Texas since the outbreak began in January, with fewer than 30 people actively infectious.
Q: How contagious is measles?
A: Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. One infected person can spread measles to between 12 and 18 unvaccinated people.
Q: Can measles be prevented?
A: Yes, measles can be prevented through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is 93% effective in preventing measles infection after the first dose and 97% effective after the second dose.
Q: What should I do if I think I have measles?
A: If you think you have measles, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will be able to diagnose and treat you, and provide guidance on how to prevent the spread of the disease.
For the latest coverage on measles and public health, go to dallasnews.com.
Emily Brindley and Miriam Fauzia contributed reporting.
