Measles cases are rising in Texas, particularly in rural West Texas, where there are now 90 confirmed cases across seven counties. Sadly, 16 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
In Eastern New Mexico, nine measles cases have been reported, but health officials say there’s no direct link to the outbreak in Texas. The spread of measles is concerning, especially among children, so it’s essential to know how to protect yourself.
Most cases in Texas are centered in Gaines County, which has 57 infections, followed by Terry County with 20. Six cases are new in Dawson County, while a few other counties, including Yoakum and Lubbock, have reported one each. The good news is that measles mainly impacts children, with 77 out of the 90 cases among those under 18.
Health officials indicate that this outbreak is the largest in Texas in almost 30 years. It has primarily affected a “close-knit, undervaccinated” Mennonite community. Many families in this community attend small private religious schools or are homeschooled.
In New Mexico, all cases are found in Lea County, which is adjacent to Gaines County in Texas. Public health officials believe exposure may have occurred at local grocery stores, schools, and churches.
Measles is highly contagious and can hang around in the air for up to two hours. According to the CDC, up to 90% of people who are not vaccinated will catch the virus upon exposure. While most children recover from measles, complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. It’s recommended for kids at 12 to 15 months, with a second dose given at ages 4 to 6. These vaccinations are required for children entering kindergarten in public schools across the country.
Vaccination rates are crucial. High vaccination rates, typically above 95%, help protect entire communities through herd immunity. However, since the pandemic, vaccination rates have dropped, with more parents opting out for personal or religious reasons. This has led to increasing measles cases, including a significant outbreak in Chicago and the worst year for measles in nearly three decades in 2019.
In Gaines County, nearly 14% of school-aged children have opted out of necessary vaccinations for the 2023-24 school year. The actual number may be even higher as it doesn’t account for homeschooled children.
In response to the outbreak, health departments are organizing vaccination clinics and outreach programs in schools to educate families about the importance of vaccinations. New Mexico health officials will also host clinics in Hobbs next week to help increase vaccination rates.
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