A measles outbreak south and west of Lubbock has infected at least 48 people, with 13 requiring hospitalization, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Officials warn that due to the highly contagious nature of measles, more cases are expected in the coming days.
Gaines County has reported the majority of cases (42), while Lynn County has one case, Terry County has three, and Yoakum County has two. None of the individuals infected have confirmed vaccinations, and the outbreak has primarily affected children—29 cases are in those aged 5 to 17, and 13 cases are in children under four. Only five cases have been reported in adults.
No Link to Houston Cases
The first measles cases in Texas this year were reported on Jan. 23 in Houston, where two unvaccinated adults tested positive after recent international travel. Although those cases raised concerns about possible community spread, health officials do not believe they are connected to the West Texas outbreak, which was first reported on Jan. 29 in school-aged children.
How Measles Spreads and Symptoms
Dr. Amanda Griffin, a pediatrician with Texas Tech Physicians in Amarillo, emphasized how easily measles can spread. "You can get measles just by being in a room where an infected person has been, even up to two hours after they've left," Griffin said in a press release Friday.
Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and begin with a high fever, cough, and runny nose—similar to the flu. However, red, watery eyes and a rash distinguish measles from other respiratory illnesses. "Unfortunately, the rash often shows up later, so if you have flu-like symptoms and are unprotected, it's critical to isolate to prevent further spread," Griffin advised.
Vaccination Rates and Exemptions
Measles can lead to severe, even life-threatening complications, but vaccination offers strong protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a two-dose MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine series, with the first dose at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years old.
Most Texas public schools require the MMR vaccine, but state law allows for conscientious exemptions. The latest data from the 2023-2024 school year shows an increase in vaccine exemptions among Texas students. In the Panhandle region, which includes the affected counties, 93.88% of kindergartners and 98.09% of seventh graders were fully vaccinated. However, exemption rates have risen over the past decade, with 3.44% of kindergartners and 1.57% of seventh graders not receiving the MMR vaccine due to conscientious objections.
What Comes Next
DSHS reports that the MMR vaccine can provide some protection if administered within 72 hours of exposure. Health officials urge anyone who is unvaccinated or unsure of their status to check with their healthcare provider.
