The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported a significant escalation in the West Texas measles outbreak, with 58 confirmed cases as of February 18, 2025. The outbreak, which primarily affects Gaines County, has now spread to surrounding areas and includes at least 48 children and six adults.
Gaines County remains the epicenter with 45 cases, but the outbreak has expanded to neighboring counties: nine cases in Terry County, two in Yoakum County, one in Lynn County, and one in Lubbock County. Health officials have confirmed that 13 patients have required hospitalization since symptoms began appearing approximately three weeks ago.
Vaccination Status and Public Health Response
While most cases have been identified among unvaccinated individuals, health authorities report that four of the infected persons claim to have been previously vaccinated. This outbreak follows two measles cases confirmed earlier this year in Harris County residents—the first reported in Texas since 2023.
In response to the growing crisis, local health departments have established free vaccination clinics throughout West Texas. The South Plains Public Health District, which includes Gaines County, has expanded its operations to seven days a week and has administered at least 95 measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations thus far.
"It is troubling, because this was completely preventable," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins. "It's the most contagious infectious disease known to humans. And when we start to see measles outbreak, that's a sign that there is a chink in the armor of vaccination."
Vaccine Exemption Rates and Risk Factors
The outbreak highlights concerning trends in vaccination coverage. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2023-2024 school year saw vaccine exemptions for kindergarteners reach 3.3% nationwide—the highest level recorded. In Gaines County, however, the exemption rate stands at an alarming 17.62%, meaning nearly one in five children lacks proper immunization protection.
This high exemption rate creates vulnerable pockets within communities where highly contagious diseases like measles can spread rapidly. The DSHS has warned that additional cases are likely to occur in Gaines County and surrounding communities.
Clinical Guidance and Ongoing Surveillance
The DSHS has issued guidance to healthcare providers, advising them to "immediately report any suspected cases to your local health department, preferably while the patient is in your presence." This rapid reporting is crucial for contact tracing and implementing isolation measures to prevent further spread.
The current outbreak represents a significant public health challenge, particularly as it follows a period when measles cases had been largely controlled in Texas. The last reported case prior to the January 2025 cases in Harris County was in 2023.
Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing measles transmission and protecting vulnerable populations. The South Plains Public Health District's expanded vaccination efforts demonstrate the urgent public health response needed to contain this highly contagious disease.
Measles: A Preventable but Dangerous Disease
Measles is characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically appears 3-5 days after initial symptoms. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Complications from measles can be severe, particularly in young children, and may include pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. The CDC estimates that before widespread vaccination, measles caused approximately 400-500 deaths annually in the United States.
As this outbreak continues to evolve, public health officials are urging unvaccinated individuals, especially those in affected counties, to seek immunization promptly. The DSHS maintains that with proper vaccination coverage, outbreaks like the one currently affecting West Texas can be prevented entirely.
