Texas health authorities reported that confirmed measles cases in the state have risen to 505, reflecting an increase of 24 infections since April 4. This surge comes amid a broader nationwide outbreak of the virus, which has now been reported in at least 22 U.S. states. The ongoing spread continues to raise concerns among public health officials, particularly due to the high transmissibility of the disease and its impact on unvaccinated populations.
The epicenter of the outbreak remains in Gaines County, where case numbers have climbed from 315 to 328 in the past five days. Statewide, the number of individuals hospitalized due to measles-related complications has reached 57. Tragically, a second child in Texas—an unvaccinated school-aged individual with no known health conditions—died last week after contracting the virus. This marks the third measles-related fatality in the United States this year and the second in Texas alone.
The outbreak in Texas began in late January and has steadily expanded. Last week, state officials increased the number of counties classified within the outbreak area to ten. West Texas, in particular, has seen a sharp rise in infections, reporting 481 cases as of Friday.
Measles, a virus transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes, is considered one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. According to public health experts, individuals without immunity, especially unvaccinated children, are at high risk of infection, even with minimal exposure.
In Lubbock County, a day care facility has become a significant site of transmission. Public health officials confirmed that at least seven cases have been linked to one child who unknowingly spread the virus before symptoms developed. With over 200 children attending the facility, concerns have risen about potential further transmission, particularly among those too young to be fully vaccinated. Some children who had received only one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have since tested positive. In response, local health authorities are now recommending that children in Lubbock County receive their first dose of the vaccine at six months of age, earlier than the standard 12-month guideline. Children who have received only one dose are being advised to get their second dose ahead of schedule.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 607 measles cases as of April 4, more than double the total number of cases reported in all of the previous year. According to the CDC, 97% of those infected across the country were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Neighboring states have also been affected. In New Mexico, the number of confirmed cases has reached 56. Most are concentrated in Lea County, which borders Texas’s Gaines County. Additionally, Chaves County in New Mexico reported its first case of the year this week.
Federal response efforts are ongoing. The CDC, which had previously deployed a team to assist with outbreak management in West Texas, withdrew its staff in early April but is now preparing to send new personnel to the region. A small team is expected to arrive this week, with additional support likely to follow.
Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination as the most effective defense against measles. The current outbreak underscores the risks faced by communities with immunization rates below the 95% threshold considered necessary to maintain herd immunity. In Gaines County, where the vaccination rate is approximately 82%, that threshold has not been met, leaving many vulnerable to infection.
