Feb. 15 UPI — The Texas Department of State Health Services DSHS warns that additional measles cases are likely as an outbreak grows in West Texas. Currently, 48 cases have been reported, primarily among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Of these, 13 people have been hospitalized.
The outbreak is concentrated in Gaines County, where 42 cases have been recorded. Neighboring Terry, Yoakum, and Lynn counties have also reported cases. The outbreak has reached beyond Texas, with New Mexico’s Lea County declaring a measles outbreak after recording three cases.
The majority of Texas cases involve children aged 5 to 17. DSHS is collaborating with the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health to investigate the outbreak and provide resources.
A contributing factor to the outbreak is low vaccination rates in Gaines County, where approximately 18% of the population remains unvaccinated. In response, local vaccine clinics have extended operating hours, with at least 80 patients receiving the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in the past week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, as of Feb. 6, 14 measles cases have been confirmed across five states: Texas, Alaska, Georgia, New York City, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, 43% of cases have resulted in hospitalization.
Health officials stress that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles. Individuals experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical care promptly.