Abdelrahman
The Texas Department of State Health Services has stated that additional measles cases are likely as the outbreak continues to escalate. This update highlights the urgent nature of the situation. (Photo source: U.S. Air Force)
Feb. 15 (UPI) — The Texas Department of State Health Services reported that more measles cases “are likely to occur” as the outbreak intensifies.
Currently, 48 cases have been confirmed in West Texas, primarily affecting individuals who have not been vaccinated against the virus or whose vaccination status is unclear. For further details, refer to the state’s update.
In the past three weeks, 13 of those infected have required hospitalization.
“Given the highly contagious nature of measles, we anticipate additional cases in Gaines County and nearby areas,” the state health department stated. “Collaboration with the South Plains Public Health District and Lubbock Public Health is underway to address the outbreak.”
As of February 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 14 measles cases across five states, including Texas, Alaska, Georgia, New York City, and Rhode Island. All cases were linked to unvaccinated individuals or those with undetermined vaccination status, and approximately 43% were hospitalized.
In 2024, the CDC recorded 285 measles cases reported by 33 jurisdictions.
The first Health Alert regarding the outbreak was issued by Texas officials earlier this month after several cases were confirmed in Gaines County, beginning with the initial two reports in late January.
The majority of cases reported to date have involved individuals aged between 5 and 17 years.
Out of the 48 confirmed cases, 42 were located in Gaines County, which has a population of just over 21,000. Cases have also emerged in the nearby counties of Terry, Yoakum, and Lynn.
New Mexico’s Lea County declared a measles outbreak earlier this week after its third case was confirmed. This county borders Texas, including Gaines County, and has a population of approximately 75,000.
“We are diligently investigating each suspected case and urge individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with measles to seek medical assistance,” stated Dr. Chad Smelser, Deputy State Epidemiologist for NMDOH, in a recent department announcement.
In Texas, data indicates that about 18% of Gaines County’s population has not received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, contributing to one of the highest non-vaccination rates in the state.
The South Plains Public Health District, which serves Gaines County, recently reported an uptick in vaccine administration, with at least 80 patients visiting a local clinic for the MMR vaccine in the past week. The clinic is also extending its hours of operation, as noted by CNN.
Health officials emphasize that the best protection against measles is receiving two doses of an approved vaccine.
