The measles outbreak in West Texas continues to grow, with 124 confirmed cases across nine counties since late January, according to state health officials.
The rapid increase has led to concerns about potential statewide spread as new exposures are reported in Central Texas.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reported a significant jump in cases, with 34 additional infections since last Friday. Of the total cases, 101 involve individuals aged 17 or younger. The outbreak has also led to 18 hospitalizations.
The majority of those affected are either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown, with only five confirmed cases occurring in vaccinated individuals.
The outbreak remains concentrated in Gaines County, which has reported 80 cases. Other affected counties include:
- Terry (21 cases)
- Dawson (7 cases)
- Yoakum (5 cases)
- Dallam (4 cases)
- Martin (3 cases)
- Ector (2 cases)
- Lubbock (1 case)
- Lynn (1 case)
Additionally, New Mexico has reported nine measles cases in Lea County, which borders Gaines County. However, health officials state there is no confirmed link between the outbreaks in the two states.
Texas officials continue to stress the importance of immunization, urging the public to receive two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease and reducing its severity in breakthrough cases.
Despite this, the number of vaccination exemptions has risen in Texas due to personal or religious reasons. In some areas, such as Gaines County, nearly 14% of schoolchildren opted out of at least one required vaccine during the 2023-24 school year. Statewide, exemption rates have increased from 0.76% in 2014 to 2.32% in 2024.
This outbreak is the largest in Texas in 30 years, surpassing previous outbreaks in 2013 and 2019. In 2013, a significant outbreak was linked to a Tarrant County megachurch, where a member contracted the disease while traveling and spread it to a largely unvaccinated congregation.
Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging vaccinations to prevent further spread. The CDC has also reported measles cases in eight states this year, with Texas accounting for the majority.
