Texas is currently facing a serious measles outbreak, making it the center of rising concerns across the United States. With more cases reported each day, health officials are urging people to take quick action—especially when it comes to getting vaccinated.
As of Tuesday, March 25, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed 327 cases of measles in the state. A large number of these cases involve children under the age of 17.
Who Is Affected?
The numbers show that children are the most affected by this outbreak. Here’s how the cases break down:
- 140 cases – Children aged 5 to 17
- 104 cases – Children aged 4 and under
- The remaining cases are among adults, many of whom were also unvaccinated.
Sadly, there have been two deaths linked to this outbreak. One was a child who had not received the vaccine, and the other was possibly an unvaccinated adult from New Mexico. These are the first deaths from measles in over 10 years in the U.S.
Measles Cases Reported Across the Country
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a total of 387 cases in 18 states, including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and, most heavily, Texas. This shows that measles is not just a local problem, but a nationwide concern.
Gaines County: A Hotspot for Measles in Texas
The outbreak first began in Gaines County, located in the South Plains region of West Texas. In just three weeks, the number of reported cases has doubled, with a total of 48 cases so far:
- 42 cases – Gaines County
- 3 cases – Terry County
- 2 cases – Yoakum County
- 1 case – Lynn County
Out of these, 13 people have been hospitalized, and most of the patients are school-aged children between 5 and 17.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through tiny airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area.
Common Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms usually start about a week after exposure, and include:
- Fever (101°F or higher)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red and watery eyes
- White spots inside the mouth (conjunctivitis)
- Red rash starting near the hairline, spreading down the body
An infected person is contagious four days before and four days after the rash appears, which makes the virus spread even before people know they are sick.
How to Prevent Measles
The best way to stay protected is through vaccination. Health experts recommend the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) at the following ages:
- First dose – Between 6 to 11 months
- Second dose – Between 12 to 15 months
- Booster dose – Between 4 to 6 years old
Even if someone missed these doses as a child, teens and adults can still get vaccinated at any age.
The Texas DSHS is already running free vaccination clinics, especially in Gaines County and nearby areas, to help stop the spread. People who are not vaccinated are strongly encouraged to get the two-dose vaccine to protect themselves and others.