The measle outbreak in western Texas has escalated to 90 confirmed cases, marking the state’s largest outbreak in over three decades, according to data released Friday by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Unvaccinated Individuals Drive the Surge
The outbreak has primarily impacted unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Among the reported cases:
- 16 individuals have been hospitalized.
- 5 cases involve people who were vaccinated.
A DSHS spokesperson previously confirmed to media that this is the most significant measles outbreak in Texas in more than 30 years.
Top 10 Must-Read Books: A Guide to the Hottest Page-Turners
Health Officials Urge Vaccination
Health authorities are strongly encouraging those who are unvaccinated to receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- First MMR dose between 12 to 15 months of age.
- Second MMR dose between 4 and 6 years of age.
Effectiveness of the MMR vaccine:
- One dose offers 93% protection against measles.
- Two doses increase effectiveness to 97%.
Before the measles vaccine was introduced, an estimated 3 to 4 million people in the U.S. contracted measles annually, according to the CDC.
Children and Teens Most Affected
The majority of Texas cases involve young people:
- 51 cases among children aged 5 to 17.
- 26 cases in children aged 4 and under.
Gaines County: The Epicenter
Gaines County has emerged as the outbreak’s epicenter, with 57 confirmed cases. Alarming trends in vaccine exemptions may have contributed to the surge:
- In 2013, 7.5% of kindergarteners had vaccine exemptions.
- By 2023, that number skyrocketed to over 17.5%, one of the highest rates in Texas.
Spread to Neighboring New Mexico
The outbreak has also crossed state lines:
- 9 cases confirmed in Lea County, New Mexico, which borders Texas, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
National Measles Cases on the Rise
Separately, the CDC has confirmed 14 measles cases across five states this year. However, these figures do not yet include the recent Texas or New Mexico outbreaks or new cases emerging in Georgia.
Why Measles Is So Contagious
Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. According to the CDC:
- 1 infected person can spread measles to 9 out of 10 unvaccinated close contacts.
With vaccination rates declining in certain regions, public health officials warn that outbreaks like this could become more common unless vaccination efforts are reinforced.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Health experts urge parents and guardians to verify their children’s vaccination status and seek medical advice if exposed to measles or if symptoms appear.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation and encourages communities to prioritize immunization to help curb the spread of this highly contagious virus.
