Overview of the Outbreak

As of the end of April 2025, Texas health officials have reported a total of 646 confirmed cases of measles, primarily linked to an outbreak in West Texas that began in January. Although the outbreak has affected a substantial number of individuals, it is noteworthy that fewer than 10 of these cases are currently considered “actively infectious.”

New Developments

On April 25, health officials reported 22 additional cases, with Gaines County accounting for the majority at 393 cases. This figure represents over 60% of the total cases in the state.

Geographic and Demographic Breakdown

The Texas Department of State Health Services has classified several counties as “outbreak counties.” These include:

• Gaines County: 393 cases
• Lubbock County: 47 cases
• Terry County: 59 cases
• And additional cases in Cochran, Dallam, Dawson, Garza, Lynn, Lamar, Ector, and Yoakum counties.

Since the outbreak began, there have been 64 hospitalizations reported. Tragically, two school-aged children who were unvaccinated have died as a result of measles complications.

Vaccination Insights

Understanding vaccination status is critical in this outbreak. Data shows:

• Total unvaccinated and unknown status: 618 individuals
• Vaccinated with one dose: 12 individuals
• Vaccinated with two or more doses: 16 individuals

Furthermore, 16 measles cases occurred in fully vaccinated individuals while 12 were in those who received only one vaccination dose.

Health Risks and Prevention

Measles is an exceptionally contagious disease, primarily spread through respiratory droplets. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours post-exposure. Symptoms typically manifest within 7 to 14 days and include:

• High fever (potentially reaching 105°F)
• Cough and runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Distinctive rash starting on the face and spreading downward

The best preventive measure remains vaccination with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which has proven highly effective in preventing outbreaks.

Next Steps and Recommendations

The Texas Department of State Health Services will continue to provide updates on Tuesdays and Fridays. In the meantime, those exposed to measles should avoid contact with others and consult healthcare providers before arriving for testing. Schools and childcare facilities are mandated to exclude unimmunized children for at least 21 days following potential exposure.