Texas Health Officials Investigate Measles Exposures at Two Universities as Cases Approach 100: What You Need to Know

There’s a concerning measles outbreak happening in west Texas. The state’s health department has announced that several central and west-central counties are looking into exposures, especially at two universities.

So far, there are 99 confirmed cases in Texas. This includes an outbreak in a nearby New Mexico county. The number continues to rise.

Growing Outbreak

On February 21, Texas reported 32 new cases in the South Plains region, bringing the total to 90 cases. Many of these are in Gaines County, primarily affecting the Mennonite community. This latest report also confirmed cases in Ector and Yoakum counties, increasing the total to seven affected counties. Sixteen patients have needed hospitalization. Among these, five were vaccinated, while others were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination records.

The Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District confirmed a few more cases in their community. Melissa Bundy, the district’s CEO, reassured residents that most people in the area are vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is highly effective and can prevent measles in most cases.

Meanwhile, New Mexico officials reported six additional cases in Lea County, which is next to Gaines County, bringing that total to nine. Officials suspect a connection to the Texas outbreak but haven’t confirmed it. The affected include children aged 5 to 17 and several adults.

The New Mexico Department of Health warned that because measles spreads easily, more cases might happen in Lea County and nearby areas.

University Exposures

The Texas health department reported that someone from the outbreak area diagnosed with measles was contagious while visiting San Marcos and San Antonio from February 14 to 16.

This person is from Gaines County and visited locations such as Texas State University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, popular tourist spots near the River Walk, and a local restaurant.

The CDC noted in a recent update that they’ve recorded 93 cases this year across eight locations. Most of these cases (86) are part of three specific outbreaks. Notably, 95% of those infected were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccine status, and a significant number are children under five.